Wiltshire College says you're hired
7:39am Tuesday 19th May 2009 in News
As the competition heats up for Sir Alan Sugar’s “apprentices” on the current BBC show, Wiltshire College would like to introduce ten Wiltshire apprentices of a different sort, currently studying at Wiltshire College Trowbridge. Whilst Sir Alan will dispense with all but one of his remaining hopefuls using the now famous catchphrase “You’re Fired”, the majority of this bunch are fortunate enough to already have been “hired” with employers funding their practical apprenticeships. Level 2 or Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3.
Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. They are a national training initiative, offering the best of the traditional route together with the advantages of NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications). They are designed to ensure that apprentices gain the skills and recognition needed in today's job market. Primarily, they are aimed at young adults already in employment although they are available to all age groups - the oldest current Wiltshire College apprentice is 50. However, the majority are school leavers aged 16 – 18. Many are in paid employment, working for supportive employers where they gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Jo Winslow, Work-Based Learning Training Coordinator for Wiltshire College, Trowbridge said” The biggest benefit of apprenticeships is the opportunity to work and earn and learn. The skills gained in the workplace together with the underpinning knowledge that’s delivered at college means that we are up skilling young craftspeople, which will be invaluable for businesses of the future. Prospective apprentices shouldn’t be fazed by the current economic climate, there’s still a positive outlook with employers out there willing to take on keen & confident young people who want to learn and work at the same time. Society will always need skilled and competent tradespeople. “ Wiltshire College is the largest training provider for apprenticeships in Wiltshire. It currently has nearly 700 apprentices working across 36 different vocational areas in a huge variety of subjects including Animal Care, Rugby, Motor Vehicle, Hairdressing, Horticulture, Business and Agriculture.
The majority of apprenticeship programmes are delivered on a day release basis at one of the four main campuses at Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury or Trowbridge. Some take place in the workplace and others require block release attendance to allow for complex practical assessments to take place.
An apprenticeship takes 18 months to 2 years to complete and leads to a package of qualifications - an NVQ Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C), a technical certificate like a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds Progression Award and a Key Skills qualification. There is also the opportunity to progress to an advanced apprenticeship for those aiming for a technical, supervisory or junior management role. The training usually lasts between 2 and 3 years and leads to NVQ Level 3 (the equivalent to 2 A-levels/1 vocational A-level). For some, an advanced apprenticeship is a stepping stone to higher education.
The minimum wage for an employed apprentice is £95.00 per week (from 1st August 2009), but it’s possible to earn more, depending on the employer. Unemployed apprentices can apply for EMA or Hardship Funding, which will be assessed on an individual basis.
If you are currently employed and you think an apprenticeship may be just what you are looking for, or if you are leaving school this summer then it’s not too late to apply. Wiltshire College can also help in job searching if you know you want to be an apprentice.
Detailed information and a full list of apprenticeships offered at Wiltshire College can be found at www.wiltshire.ac.uk or by phoning 0845 345 2235. Alternatively email: ert@wiltshire.ac.uk.
THE APPRENTICES Name: Andrew Davis Age: 19 Lives: Urchfont Apprenticeship: Furniture Making Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Smallbone “I started my Apprenticeship straight from school and came to Wiltshire College because of the facilities it offers. Unfortunately I’m currently facing redundancy but feel that I have a better chance of getting another job having done the course. I think that seeing the finished product is the most rewarding part of furniture making.”
Name: Ryan Walford Age: 25 Lives: Westbury Apprenticeship: Bricklaying Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Self-employed “I’ve been self-employed for the past nine years, mainly in roofing but I’ve also done various other bits and pieces. I’ve come to Wiltshire College to gain NVQs as it’s very hard to get work without them – it’s the way the world’s going and there’s a lot of competition out there. The course has definitely helped me in both my work and my personal life. My eventual goal is to be a bricklaying contractor or property developer.”
Name: Scott Walford Age: 21 Lives: Westbury Apprenticeship: Bricklaying Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Self employed “I left school at 16 and have been self employed ever since. I want to gain qualifications to further my career in bricklaying and I’ve learnt many new skills that I couldn’t do without coming to college. Afterwards I’d like to start my own bricklaying business; my brother is doing the same course so it may be an option to work in partnership. I’ve also made some really good friends here.”
Name: Marc White Age: 21 Lives: Trowbridge Course: Plumbing Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Geoff Thomas & Son Ltd “Before coming to Trowbridge I attended Clarendon School and also Wiltshire College Lackham. I want to become a gas engineer. On the Plumbing course I’ve learnt different skills for my work which , in turn, has led to a pay rise. It’s definitely easier to gain employment when you’re fully qualified.”
Name: Daniel Stacey Age: 19 Lives: Trowbridge Course: Plumbing Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Ewart Adams & Son “I’ve come to Wiltshire College to complete a course I’ve always wanted to do and gain some qualifications. I’ve already acquired more knowledge and got a step up over others who don’t have a qualification. I want to carry on working as a plumber and hopefully start my own business one day. This course has helped me a lot – it’s given me a better understanding of plumbing and gas and also made me more mature.”
Name: Ryan Clark Age: 23 Lives: Rowde Course: Plumbing Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Mark Horobin Plumbing & Heating “I did some plumbing training before but I’ve come here to gain my qualifications locally. The course covers everything you need to know in depth. It has given me a better insight into the trade and I hope it will lead to bigger, better things. It has helped me gain experience for the job I want to do and eventually I hope to start my own business as a plumbing and heating engineer.”
Name: Adam Elliott Age: 27 Lives: Southwick Course: Bricklaying Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Pang Properties “Before this course I spent eight years in the building trade in several companies doing different types of building work. I’ve taken the course to gain a qualification and further my abilities in the building trade. If you’re not qualified you haven’t got much and a recognised qualification will give me the ability to earn better money, hopefully leading to a improved future. The course has given me a chance to meet new people and it’s helping me to better myself in my work – I’ve learned that bricklaying is all about patience and accuracy. I’m intending to work full time as a bricklayer and maybe considering a career as a Manager or Supervisor in the building trade.”
Name: Blane Clift Age: 17 Lives: Trowbridge Course: Carpentry & Joinery Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Hulbert Brothers “I joined Hulbert Brothers straight from school and I’m in the first year of my apprenticeship. I enjoy learning a trade, working in the workshop and I also have the opportunity to go out and fit on site. Long term, I want to make lots of money! That little bit of paper with my qualification on it will really help. I want to build on the skills that I’m learning and maybe start my own business.”
Name: Bradley Coombs Age: 17 Lives: Trowbridge Course: Carpentry & Joinery Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Hulbert Brothers “I’m in the first year of my apprenticeship after starting straight from school. I recognise the importance of picking up certificates; I’ll do much better through having a qualification. I want to progress on to Level 3 to do more advanced work. Eventually I think I might emigrate to Australia and work over there. I’m more likely to get work there if I have an advanced qualification.”
Name: Sam Law Age: 19 Lives: Melksham Course: Furniture Making Company sponsoring your apprenticeship: Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Bromham “I’ll be completing my Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ in Furniture Making in June this year.
My employers look after me very well so I’m definitely planning on staying with them after I finish and hopefully working my way up through the company. During the course I’ve learnt lots of valuable new skills and made some good mates. The best thing about furniture making is seeing the finished product of something you’ve made – it gives you a real sense of achievement.”
