Engineering Apprentices Success (10/02/2010)
The local economy is set for some help in its recovery as 16 newly-qualified engineers have completed their apprenticeships. A special event was held to present all the successful engineers with their completion certificates by Principal David Pomfret at a ceremony which marked the successful result of a four year advanced apprenticeship journey.
“Engineering and manufacturing companies across West Norfolk and Fenland employ more than the average numbers of local people. It is therefore essential that we make additional commitment to ensuring engineering apprenticeships stay at the forefront of both college provision and the requirements of employers,” said Mr Pomfret.
Event organiser and Training Advisor for engineering apprenticeships at the college, Shaun Woodley, said celebrating the success of this group had been very important. “We were so pleased that so many were accompanied by their employer, which goes to show how much support both the apprentices and the college get from our local employers,” he said.
Guests at the ceremony included the Regional Apprenticeship Director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the East of England, Jon Nay and the apprentices’ employers. Mr Nay, who also presented the certificates, said National Apprenticeship Week was a great opportunity to meet young apprentices and to hear about their dedication. “It’s also a fantastic time to recognise the on-going support the apprentices receive from training providers such as the College of West Anglia, and from the employers who take them on,” he said.
The time is “absolutely right,” for businesses to take on apprentices and they play an important part in giving businesses the edge in an economic upturn, added Mr Nay. “Our research shows that firms who take on apprentices have been in great shape to face the downturn. What continues to surprise me is the number of companies who still haven’t switched on to apprentices and the value they bring to businesses.”
Engineering apprentice Scott Aldridge said the apprenticeship had been hard work but it paid-off for both him and his employer, Shaun Hodgson Engineering. “I wouldn’t have been able to successfully complete the course without the support of the college lecturers and also Shaun who showed how much faith he had in me by sticking by me all the way,” he said. Mr Hodgson donated a Tengtools six-drawer toolbox to each of the successful apprentices. “We are lacking skilled works in this area within the engineering industry. The only way to get staff skilled is to train your own and the apprenticeship scheme is the best way for me. I decided to donate the toolboxes as they all work so hard for four years and I thought it would be nice for them to have something to keep and that would be very useful for them in their careers.
Class of 2009 – Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering:
- Ashley Smith,
- Shaun McConnell,
- Kevin O’Keefe
- Darren Reeve
- Michael Watson
- Adam Godfrey
- Jonathan Strong
- Spencer Tuddenham
- Jake Veal
- Scott Aldridge
- Robert Witt
- Randal Lynn
- Luke Clare
- Daniel Hughes
- Wayne Hopkin
- Craig Bigwood
