Apprenticeship Route to Success
Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices across all sectors, Apprenticeship Week ran from 1-5 February. In support of the week the College put on a series of workshops to give young people a taste of what on-the-job training is like.
Activities were offered in a number of the areas in which the College offers apprenticeships, with workshops including: learning how to wire a domestic plug safely and change a ceiling fitting by engineering apprentices; hair consultations, styling techniques and product demonstrations by hairdressing apprentices; how to remove a radiator, flush it, vent it, re-charge, re-fill and replace it by plumbing apprentices; and carrying out winter checks on staff vehicles by motor vehicle apprentices.
Speaking about the important effects the College’s apprenticeship programmes have on young people, Simon Noble, work-based learning manager at the College, said: "We’re encouraging young people and employers to see for themselves the many benefits of studying for an apprenticeship. Apprentices gain a nationally recognised qualification, hands-on experience in the workplace and industry-relevant skills. They also develop skills such as teamwork, good communication and problem-solving – and they earn money at the same time."
As well as being backed by colleges and companies across the UK, National Apprenticeship Week also got the backing of Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. In a statement about the week-long celebrations the Prime Minister stated that the government is committed to providing an apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified 16-18 year old from 2013 and that by 2020 one in five young people should be undertaking an apprenticeship. He added: "An apprenticeship is a great way for young people to learn a new skill and to show employers what they can do - and I congratulate all those who have shown the courage and determination to apply themselves to developing their talents.
"In 1997, fewer than 70,000 people began an apprenticeship in this country; this year the figure is almost a quarter of a million. Apprenticeships have more than trebled because young people have sought new skills, companies have wanted to train up a top-class workforce and government has supported them both. We have together returned apprenticeships to the heart of the job market."
Alex Drinkwater, 20, is currently in his final year as a trainee electrician at the College. When speaking about why he chose the apprenticeship route, Alex said: "It was the best way of getting into the trade. I’ve always wanted to be an electrician because I’ve always enjoyed finding out how things work. The workload is not that bad, the paperwork for the NVQ side of the apprenticeship is not hard to keep up with but my family often ask me to do electrical jobs for them now."
Budding stylist Lucy Walker also opted for an apprenticeship instead of taking a full-time course at the College. She now works full-time at Saks Salon and said: "I chose to do an apprenticeship as I didn’t want to be full-time at College. It’s good experience to be working and earning money. I’ve always wanted to be a hairdresser and apprenticeships are a good opportunity. I go to College one day a week and work full-time the rest. At College we have paying clients so it’s good experience to get into styling, cutting and colouring hair straight away."
The College has long recognised the importance of apprenticeships and has sought to continually expand its provision in response to their growing popularity.
Photograph: Apprenticeship Learner Jonathon Kerridge (21) takes advice from Assistant Technician Harry Barrowcliff in the Car Care Centre at North Lindsey College.
For further information contact Clare French at North Lindsey College on 01724 294166.