Apprenticeships a winning mix

Date Published: Wednesday, 07 Jun 2006
Departments: Route : Apprenticeships, Construction

These plumbing apprentices at Shrewsbury College, who have just achieved their foundation qualification, are part of a growing trend towards this earn-as-you-learn style of education.

Record numbers of apprentices are now in training nationally, and in Shropshire the new Centre of Vocational Excellence in construction being launched in Telford by Shrewsbury College will help boost apprenticeship training.

Plumbing is one of 10 subject areas in which Shrewsbury College offers apprenticeships, with the others including Accounts, Beauty Therapy, Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Catering, Childcare, Elderly Care, Electrical Installation and Sports and Recreation.

The College works very closely with companies to match each learner with the right employer because of the importance of long-term support both to the individual and the firm.

Both sides benefit from apprenticeships, with firms getting young workers training to meet their skills needs while the apprentices themselves combine College work with paid employment and also get the benefit of working alongside experienced colleagues.

For more information about apprenticeships call 01743 342333.

Pictured are: Back row - Ben Plant, Stephen Bond, Alex Bishton. Middle - Kenny Fudge, Phillip Croft, Adam Sneade. Front - Peter Dickens, Craig Latham.