Apprenticeships: BOC aims to win over employers
When BOC presented awards to several Apprentices at Shrewsbury College the multinational company was doing more than acknowledging their skill and commitment – it was sending a message to the employers of Shropshire.
The four Apprentices had done well in the first round of the BOC Apprentice Welding Competition. “The importance of this competition can’t be overstated,” said John Pearsall, from BOC. “This competition goes on to national level, but it is here that the next generation of skilled welders is created. The training workshops at Shrewsbury College and others like it are crucial to the future of British industry.”
He said the average age of welders in Britain is about 55 – “We need more young people coming in. We were at Shrewsbury College to get the message across to employers and young people, because without employers there can be no Apprenticeships.”
The winners of national competitions in England, Scotland and Wales will go on to compete in World Skills, which is being held in London next year. The BOC competition aims to inspire employers and young people to ensure companies large and small have the skilled workforce they need for the future by supporting Apprenticeships.
John Pearsall (front left) and his colleague Leslie Ness are pictured with the Apprentices and their tutors Dave Morris and Dave Pittaway
Other Apprenticeships news:
One Shropshire business where Apprenticeships are valued is Acorn Electrical at Market Drayton. Owner Lee Payne has been in business 10 years and has trained seven apprentices with Shrewsbury College. He is seen presenting Adrian Hubbard with his certificate. Said Lee: “One of our plans is to help provide local skilled people for local businesses. All being well we will take on more Apprentices this year or next.”
Kirsty Dunning is not only her employer’s first female apprentice, but also their first apprentice. Condover-based Shropshire Stoves saw that she had the potential they needed for the future. “I was studying Motor Vehicle and that was really good, but as part of it you learn some welding skills and doing welding made me realise that it was what I wanted to do as my career, so I swapped courses,” said Kirsty.
Broseley-based Syspal - one of Europe’s leading suppliers of stainless steel and aluminium products to the food, pharmaceutical, veterinary and leisure industry - has a long history of working with Shrewsbury College to train its Apprentices. Chris Truman, the managing director, began his own working life on an Apprenticeship and is pictured congratulating Ben Oliver on completing his Apprenticeship.
Accounting Apprentice Charlotte Taff celebrates a unique moment in her life – receiving her certificate at her employers, Uniq Desserts, part of Uniq plc, based at the old Creamery in Minsterley. Charlotte is continuing on to her Advanced Apprenticeship and is now working towards the Association of Accounting Technicians level three qualification.
A Telford company that began as a home-based enterprise 20 years ago now employs more than 20 people. The founder of GM Heating and Plumbing, Grant Mitchell, is an ardent supporter of Apprenticeships, seeing them as the best way of ensuring he has enough skilled and enthusiastic engineers, electricians and fitters. He has worked with Shrewsbury College for many years and is seen with some of his current Apprentices.
Shrewsbury College is keen to hear from companies, large or small, that would like to know more about how Apprenticeships can benefit their business, and from individuals interested in becoming an Apprentice. For information call 01743 342333.
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