Apprenticeships, Western Daily Press 2015

1W

DP-E01-S4

Your essential guide to the best apprenticeship schemesin Bristol and beyond to help get your career in top gear

In association with

Apprenticeships 2015Apprenticeships 2015

WESTERN DAILY PRESS THURSDAY APRIL 23 2015 3WDP-E01-S42 THURSDAY APRIL 23 2015 WESTERN DAILY PRESS WDP-E01-S4

GRADUATION ceremoniesare nothing unusual in theWills Memorial Hall. Thehome of Bristol Universityhas seen its fair share of

caps and gowns over the years.But when 125 students from the

across the region gathered recently,there was something different. Thesewe re n’t graduands, but apprentices.

The group were some of the topachievers who have recently com-pleted higher apprenticeships fromthe region.

The event was symbolic, and youmight dismiss it as window dressing.But it illustrates a shift in attitudesand education that has been gath-ering pace of late.

Apprenticeships had been seen bysome as a second class education. Thebrightest went to university andthose who didn’t make it, well per-haps a trade would be a good idea.

It harks back to days when tests atage 11 would divide those deemedacademically gifted and send the restto do something more practical.

Thankfully, times have changed.Figures from the Institute for Em-ployment Studies show that of the434,600 apprentice starts in Englandlast year, the biggest sector was Busi-ness, Administration and Law(126,000), followed by Health, PublicServices and Care (108,000). Retailand commercial enterprise accountsfor 87,000 starts.

Traditional sectors remain reas-onably large with around 65,000 train-ing in Engineering andManufacturing Technologies, al-though just 16,000 were in Construc-tion, Planning and the Built

E nv i ro n m e n t .Those figures show that appren-

ticeships are becoming a proven wayinto a range of industries.

The ages of apprentices may sur-prise some too.

Becci Newton, principal researchfellow at the Institute for Employ-ment Studies said: “While 36 per centof apprentices are aged between 19-24years, the same proportion is over 25.The rest (28 per cent) are aged 16-18.

“While the policy focus tends to beon young people’s training, adulttraining is just as important.”

On gender, Becci added: “ B ro a d lythere is a gender balance but thismasks gender stereotypical uptake ofparticular subjects, following pat-terns in the workforce, so women areunder-represented in science tech-nology and manufacturing sectorsand men under-represented in child-care and hairdressing.”

There were 3,020 apprenticestarters in Bristol last year. A further700 in North Somerset and 990 in Bathand North-East Somerset.

For some, apprenticeships still rep-resent a second chance.

Callum Marsh found his role as afinance apprentice at BrunelCare inBristol with Kaplan Financialthrough a portal called GetMyFirst-Job .

“I didn’t have the best grades foruni so an apprenticeship was the bestway to work from the bottom andpursue my career goals,” said the2 0 - ye a r- o l d .

“I have been asked by my line man-ager to apply for a purchase ledgerposition within the company whilststill completing my apprenticeshiptraining.

“I am really pleased my hard workhas paid off and they want me toprogress within the company.”

But increasingly apprenticeshipare a first choice and a good way to get

a head start in a career without thedebts associated with university.

At just 17, Molly Dowling is alreadymaking her way in the creative in-dustries as a key part of the team atBristol public relations companyPur plefish.

Bright and driven, Molly knew shewanted to work in marketing andsocial media so did her own research,eventually finding an apprenticeshipthrough training provider 3AAA.

She had to overcome her owndoubts first, however.

“I was worried about whether notdoing A-levels would affect my ca-

re e r, ” she said. “I asked about it atinterview and told them to be honestwith me.”

Convinced, she took the appren-ticeship and hasn’t looked back.

“I am so happy and grateful I foundan apprenticeship in the career Iwant to pursue,” she said.

Lynette Daly, publisher of MovingOn magazine which highlights ap-prenticeship successes, said: “The in-troduction of degree apprenticeshipsand availability of advanced andhigher apprenticeships, particularlyin technical roles, goes to show thatchoosing an apprenticeship over a

full time college or university courseis anything but a waste of talent.

“Gone are the days when peoplesaw apprenticeships as the route forunder-achieving males. In fact, in2013, 55 per cent of all apprenticeshipstarts were female.”

For employers, the appeal of ap-prenticeships is that they can trainpeople in the skills they need.

Some, such as pub operatorMitchells & Butlers, which runs Har-vester, Browns and other brands,have find apprenticeships improvestaff retention.

The firm has an 80 per cent re-

tention rate for apprentices, com-pared with a normal industryturnover of 50 per cent.

Others see the route as a way toaddress skills shortages in their sec-t o r.

House builder Crest Nicholsondoes just that, and apprentices nowmake up 10 per cent of its workforce.

One of them is Masie Lapham,based at Port Maine in Portishead,where the 20-year-old works as a dec-o r at o r.

Masie said: “I’ve been part of theprogramme for coming up to threeyears now, and it’s been a fantastic

learning experience.“One of the major benefits has been

the opportunity for creative,hands-on learning and I’vereally enjoyed working fora company with suchhigh standards and qual-ity of work.

“There are lots of op-portunities to move upthe ladder, with all thehelp and training to sup-port us.”

The key for apprenticessuch as Masie, Molly and Cal-lum is their prospects as they further

their careers.But what these trailblazers also

carry is a responsibility forthose who follow.

By simply beingthoughtful, hard work-ing, creative employeesand by climbing the ca-reer ladder, they willslowly changeout-dated perceptions

about apprenticeships.They are going to go

far with their apprentice-ships, and thousands will fol-

l ow.

APPRENTICESGETTING AHEAD STARTIN CAREERS

Masie Lapham

“One of the majorbenefits has been theopportunity for creative,hands-on learning andI’ve enjoyed working fora company with suchhigh standards. Thereare lots of opportunitiesto move up the ladder.”

View employer vacancies todaywww.cityofbristol.ac.uk

Gavin ThompsonAssistant Editor (Business)[email protected] � Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship graduate Alex Fields celebrates at the G re a t

Hall, Wills Memorial Building� Masie Lapham, a decorator at Port Maine in Portishead

Molly Dowling, anapprentice at public

relations companyPurplefish

“ I am so happy andgrateful I found anapprenticeship inthe career I want topursue.”

Apprenticeships 2015 Apprenticeships 2015



GRADUATION ceremoniesare nothing unusual in theWills Memorial Hall. Thehome of Bristol Universityhas seen its fair share of

caps and gowns over the years.But when 125 students from the

across the region gathered recently,there was something different. Thesewe re n’t graduands, but apprentices.

The group were some of the topachievers who have recently com-pleted higher apprenticeships fromthe region.

The event was symbolic, and youmight dismiss it as window dressing.But it illustrates a shift in attitudesand education that has been gath-ering pace of late.

Apprenticeships had been seen bysome as a second class education. Thebrightest went to university andthose who didn’t make it, well per-haps a trade would be a good idea.

It harks back to days when tests atage 11 would divide those deemedacademically gifted and send the restto do something more practical.

Thankfully, times have changed.Figures from the Institute for Em-ployment Studies show that of the434,600 apprentice starts in Englandlast year, the biggest sector was Busi-ness, Administration and Law(126,000), followed by Health, PublicServices and Care (108,000). Retailand commercial enterprise accountsfor 87,000 starts.

Traditional sectors remain reas-onably large with around 65,000 train-ing in Engineering andManufacturing Technologies, al-though just 16,000 were in Construc-tion, Planning and the Built

E nv i ro n m e n t .Those figures show that appren-

ticeships are becoming a proven wayinto a range of industries.

The ages of apprentices may sur-prise some too.

Becci Newton, principal researchfellow at the Institute for Employ-ment Studies said: “While 36 per centof apprentices are aged between 19-24years, the same proportion is over 25.The rest (28 per cent) are aged 16-18.

“While the policy focus tends to beon young people’s training, adulttraining is just as important.”

On gender, Becci added: “ B ro a d lythere is a gender balance but thismasks gender stereotypical uptake ofparticular subjects, following pat-terns in the workforce, so women areunder-represented in science tech-nology and manufacturing sectorsand men under-represented in child-care and hairdressing.”

There were 3,020 apprenticestarters in Bristol last year. A further700 in North Somerset and 990 in Bathand North-East Somerset.

For some, apprenticeships still rep-resent a second chance.

Callum Marsh found his role as afinance apprentice at BrunelCare inBristol with Kaplan Financialthrough a portal called GetMyFirst-Job .

“I didn’t have the best grades foruni so an apprenticeship was the bestway to work from the bottom andpursue my career goals,” said the2 0 - ye a r- o l d .

“I have been asked by my line man-ager to apply for a purchase ledgerposition within the company whilststill completing my apprenticeshiptraining.

“I am really pleased my hard workhas paid off and they want me toprogress within the company.”

But increasingly apprenticeshipare a first choice and a good way to get

a head start in a career without thedebts associated with university.

At just 17, Molly Dowling is alreadymaking her way in the creative in-dustries as a key part of the team atBristol public relations companyPur plefish.

Bright and driven, Molly knew shewanted to work in marketing andsocial media so did her own research,eventually finding an apprenticeshipthrough training provider 3AAA.

She had to overcome her owndoubts first, however.

“I was worried about whether notdoing A-levels would affect my ca-

re e r, ” she said. “I asked about it atinterview and told them to be honestwith me.”

Convinced, she took the appren-ticeship and hasn’t looked back.

“I am so happy and grateful I foundan apprenticeship in the career Iwant to pursue,” she said.

Lynette Daly, publisher of MovingOn magazine which highlights ap-prenticeship successes, said: “The in-troduction of degree apprenticeshipsand availability of advanced andhigher apprenticeships, particularlyin technical roles, goes to show thatchoosing an apprenticeship over a

full time college or university courseis anything but a waste of talent.

“Gone are the days when peoplesaw apprenticeships as the route forunder-achieving males. In fact, in2013, 55 per cent of all apprenticeshipstarts were female.”

For employers, the appeal of ap-prenticeships is that they can trainpeople in the skills they need.

Some, such as pub operatorMitchells & Butlers, which runs Har-vester, Browns and other brands,have find apprenticeships improvestaff retention.

The firm has an 80 per cent re-

tention rate for apprentices, com-pared with a normal industryturnover of 50 per cent.

Others see the route as a way toaddress skills shortages in their sec-t o r.

House builder Crest Nicholsondoes just that, and apprentices nowmake up 10 per cent of its workforce.

One of them is Masie Lapham,based at Port Maine in Portishead,where the 20-year-old works as a dec-o r at o r.

Masie said: “I’ve been part of theprogramme for coming up to threeyears now, and it’s been a fantastic

learning experience.“One of the major benefits has been

the opportunity for creative,hands-on learning and I’vereally enjoyed working fora company with suchhigh standards and qual-ity of work.

“There are lots of op-portunities to move upthe ladder, with all thehelp and training to sup-port us.”

The key for apprenticessuch as Masie, Molly and Cal-lum is their prospects as they further

their careers.But what these trailblazers also

carry is a responsibility forthose who follow.

By simply beingthoughtful, hard work-ing, creative employeesand by climbing the ca-reer ladder, they willslowly changeout-dated perceptions

about apprenticeships.They are going to go

far with their apprentice-ships, and thousands will fol-

l ow.

APPRENTICESGETTING AHEAD STARTIN CAREERS

Masie Lapham

“One of the majorbenefits has been theopportunity for creative,hands-on learning andI’ve enjoyed working fora company with suchhigh standards. Thereare lots of opportunitiesto move up the ladder.”


Gavin ThompsonAssistant Editor (Business)[email protected] � Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship graduate Alex Fields celebrates at the G re a t

Hall, Wills Memorial Building� Masie Lapham, a decorator at Port Maine in Portishead

Molly Dowling, anapprentice at public

relations companyPurplefish

“ I am so happy andgrateful I found anapprenticeship inthe career I want topursue.”




TITHEGROVE Limited is athriving civil engineeringgroundworks contractor,with head offices in Swindon.The company currently op-

erates in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire,Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Berkshireand Oxfordshire.

For more than 30 years, Tithegrovehas worked with household namessuch as Taylor Wimpey, Barratt andPersimmon Homes as groundworksspecialists on residential develop-ments throughout the South West ofEngland and, more recently, in theSouth East.

Understanding the importance ofgood communication and of buildingstrong working partnerships, thecompany has, for a number of years,worked hard at training and devel-oping staff in order to provide afirst-class service to an increasingportfolio of clients.

More recently, Tithegrove has re-cognised the need to provide a path-way for 16 to 18-year-olds in order to

“future-proof ” its own workforce andmeet the ever-increasing skills re-quirements of the industry.

The Construction Industry Train-ing Board’s (CITB) ConstructionSkills Network survey in Februaryrevealed that 30,000 new jobs in theSouth West are due to be created overthe next five years to 2019, but thatskills shortages threatened the re-g i o n’s ability to realise its economicpotential.

The Groundworks ApprenticeshipScheme (GAS) launching in Septem-ber 2015 will help tackle this problemand the pilot scheme will initiallytake on ten groundworks apprenticeson sites in and around this region.

If successful, the intention is toincrease the number of trainees insubsequent years – rolling it out intoother regions as the company ex-pands. The course will comprise bothpractical and vocational elements,with trainees studying toward anNVQ2 in general construction withthe National Construction College, as

well as a completing a tailoredin-house programme to ensure theybecome fully competent operatives atthe end of their apprenticeship.

At the end of the first year, ap-prentices will have the opportunity totake their driving test following anintensive driving course and, at theend of two years, those who completeall elements of the programme suc-cessfully will be given the chance toapply for a full-time job with the

c o m p a ny.In partnership with the CITB,

Tithegrove has spent the last fewmonths introducing “g roundworks”to students in local schools and, inaddition to Bristol Post’s Ap p re n t i c e sFair on April 23, is taking part in anumber of events to raise awarenessof construction as a career option.This recently included a site visit andtalk during National ApprenticeshipWeek, p i c t u re d .

The event gave students an insightinto working life at a constructionsite. Visitors were given a tour, withinformation about which skills are inhigh demand, and how to acquirethem through apprenticeships, lead-ing to jobs in the industry.� For further information, contactLauren Stevens, Trainingco-ordinator, [email protected] or find uson @tithegrove /tithegroveGAS

Investing in thenext generationof workers

Tithegrove Ltd are looking for 16-18 year olds with a desire to work in Construction.

During the Apprenticeship full on the job training will be provided and all trainees will complete an NVQ level 2 in General Construction.

The company will pay the Minimum wage for 16-18 year olds (currently £3.79 per hour), rather than the Apprentice Wage (£2.73 per hour).

During the second year apprentices will have the opportunity to take their driving test following a one week intensive course.

Each Apprentice will be mentored by an experienced Site Supervisor and supported by a Training Support Offi cer.

For more information please contact Lauren Stevens, Training Co-ordinator [email protected]

@tithegrove /tithegrove

Groundworks Apprenticeship Scheme Launches September 2015

’College apprenticeship has given mea step up to help me in my career’

TWENTY-seven-year-old MartinDavis works in the sustainable trans-port department of Bristol City Coun-cil as an apprentice.

Martin, from Yate, has alwayswanted a career in sustainable trans-port, and had studied for years atcollege to get there, and even started auniversity course in the subject.

But he decided the academic routeinto it was not for him, and wasdetermined to gain an apprentice-ship with the council through City ofBristol College to help him into his

chosen career.He said: “I was studying at college

for a few years, and I didn’t feel like itwas for me and that’s when I saw theadvert for the position on Bristol CityCouncil’s website. I actually appliedfor the job three times before I wassuccessful.

“I carried on studying at collegeand even went to university to startstudying the topic.

“But at university you learn thetheories behind things, whereas inthe work place you get the reality of

the situation and deal with the cur-rent and ongoing issues, which Ithink is more valuable.

“I applied for the position for thefourth time and was successful, so Ileft university to start the appren-t i c e s h i p.

“I definitely feel like I made theright decision. I am learning so mucheveryday, and the people I work withare so helpful and supportive. Theyare not afraid to challenge me.

“I have found out a lot about whatthe council do which I had never

realised before, and it has made meappreciate just how much goes into it.I now know that this is definitelysomething I want to do and I feel likethis placement will really help witht h at . ”

Martin added that he would re-commend an apprenticeship to anyyoung people thinking of undertak-ing one.

He said: “The experience you gainis invaluable really and I would def-initely recommend an apprentice-s h i p. ”

‘The experience is invaluable – I’d recommend it to anyone’

Martin Davis

“At university you learnthe theories behindthings, whereas in thework place you get thereality of the situationand deal with the currentissues, which I think ismore valuable.


FOR Nadia Chowdhury, an ap-prenticeship was alwaysgoing to be the best route intoa career. The 28-year-old, whohas undertaken a business ad-

ministration apprenticeship withBristol City Council since March2014, has already secured full-timeemployment after a year ofworking hard through herapprenticeship with City of BristolColle ge.

Nadia now has a permanent job atBristol City Council working in thefinance team, after she spent a yearworking as an apprentice in a dif-ferent department.

Nadia said: “I studied at collegebefore undertaking my apprentice-ship, and did a three-month place-ment at the college.

“I then started my apprenticeshipat Bristol City Council in March 2014.I decided I wanted to do an appren-

ticeship as I wanted to gain work-place skills that would betransferable in any job, and I thoughtthat would be the best way to doit.

“The experience I have gained sofar has been excellent.

“There are always people on handto help and support you, and you arelearning so much every day.

“The admin-based office skills youlearn are very important,

“I don’t think you can get thoseskills from studying an academicc o u r s e. ”

Nadia, who lives in the Old Market

area of Bristol, added that she felt itwas important for her to gain asmuch experience as possiblebefore embarking on a career, and

said an apprenticeship offerspeople the chance to earn, work ands t u dy.

She said: “You are still studying

and gaining qualifications as wellas life skills.

“I think it is a great option.“I don’t think I would have been

able to gain my full-time job herewithout doing my apprenticeshipfirst, so it has definitely been astep up to help me in my career.”



TITHEGROVE Limited is athriving civil engineeringgroundworks contractor,with head offices in Swindon.The company currently op-

erates in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire,Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Berkshireand Oxfordshire.

For more than 30 years, Tithegrovehas worked with household namessuch as Taylor Wimpey, Barratt andPersimmon Homes as groundworksspecialists on residential develop-ments throughout the South West ofEngland and, more recently, in theSouth East.

Understanding the importance ofgood communication and of buildingstrong working partnerships, thecompany has, for a number of years,worked hard at training and devel-oping staff in order to provide afirst-class service to an increasingportfolio of clients.

More recently, Tithegrove has re-cognised the need to provide a path-way for 16 to 18-year-olds in order to

“future-proof ” its own workforce andmeet the ever-increasing skills re-quirements of the industry.

The Construction Industry Train-ing Board’s (CITB) ConstructionSkills Network survey in Februaryrevealed that 30,000 new jobs in theSouth West are due to be created overthe next five years to 2019, but thatskills shortages threatened the re-g i o n’s ability to realise its economicpotential.

The Groundworks ApprenticeshipScheme (GAS) launching in Septem-ber 2015 will help tackle this problemand the pilot scheme will initiallytake on ten groundworks apprenticeson sites in and around this region.

If successful, the intention is toincrease the number of trainees insubsequent years – rolling it out intoother regions as the company ex-pands. The course will comprise bothpractical and vocational elements,with trainees studying toward anNVQ2 in general construction withthe National Construction College, as

well as a completing a tailoredin-house programme to ensure theybecome fully competent operatives atthe end of their apprenticeship.

At the end of the first year, ap-prentices will have the opportunity totake their driving test following anintensive driving course and, at theend of two years, those who completeall elements of the programme suc-cessfully will be given the chance toapply for a full-time job with the

c o m p a ny.In partnership with the CITB,

Tithegrove has spent the last fewmonths introducing “g roundworks”to students in local schools and, inaddition to Bristol Post’s Ap p re n t i c e sFair on April 23, is taking part in anumber of events to raise awarenessof construction as a career option.This recently included a site visit andtalk during National ApprenticeshipWeek, p i c t u re d .

The event gave students an insightinto working life at a constructionsite. Visitors were given a tour, withinformation about which skills are inhigh demand, and how to acquirethem through apprenticeships, lead-ing to jobs in the industry.� For further information, contactLauren Stevens, Trainingco-ordinator, [email protected] or find uson @tithegrove /tithegroveGAS

Investing in thenext generationof workers

Tithegrove Ltd are looking for 16-18 year olds with a desire to work in Construction.

During the Apprenticeship full on the job training will be provided and all trainees will complete an NVQ level 2 in General Construction.

The company will pay the Minimum wage for 16-18 year olds (currently £3.79 per hour), rather than the Apprentice Wage (£2.73 per hour).

During the second year apprentices will have the opportunity to take their driving test following a one week intensive course.

Each Apprentice will be mentored by an experienced Site Supervisor and supported by a Training Support Offi cer.

For more information please contact Lauren Stevens, Training Co-ordinator [email protected]

@tithegrove /tithegrove

Groundworks Apprenticeship Scheme Launches September 2015

’College apprenticeship has given mea step up to help me in my career’

TWENTY-seven-year-old MartinDavis works in the sustainable trans-port department of Bristol City Coun-cil as an apprentice.

Martin, from Yate, has alwayswanted a career in sustainable trans-port, and had studied for years atcollege to get there, and even started auniversity course in the subject.

But he decided the academic routeinto it was not for him, and wasdetermined to gain an apprentice-ship with the council through City ofBristol College to help him into his

chosen career.He said: “I was studying at college

for a few years, and I didn’t feel like itwas for me and that’s when I saw theadvert for the position on Bristol CityCouncil’s website. I actually appliedfor the job three times before I wassuccessful.

“I carried on studying at collegeand even went to university to startstudying the topic.

“But at university you learn thetheories behind things, whereas inthe work place you get the reality of

the situation and deal with the cur-rent and ongoing issues, which Ithink is more valuable.

“I applied for the position for thefourth time and was successful, so Ileft university to start the appren-t i c e s h i p.

“I definitely feel like I made theright decision. I am learning so mucheveryday, and the people I work withare so helpful and supportive. Theyare not afraid to challenge me.

“I have found out a lot about whatthe council do which I had never

realised before, and it has made meappreciate just how much goes into it.I now know that this is definitelysomething I want to do and I feel likethis placement will really help witht h at . ”

Martin added that he would re-commend an apprenticeship to anyyoung people thinking of undertak-ing one.

He said: “The experience you gainis invaluable really and I would def-initely recommend an apprentice-s h i p. ”

‘The experience is invaluable – I’d recommend it to anyone’

Martin Davis

“At university you learnthe theories behindthings, whereas in thework place you get thereality of the situationand deal with the currentissues, which I think ismore valuable.


FOR Nadia Chowdhury, an ap-prenticeship was alwaysgoing to be the best route intoa career. The 28-year-old, whohas undertaken a business ad-

ministration apprenticeship withBristol City Council since March2014, has already secured full-timeemployment after a year ofworking hard through herapprenticeship with City of BristolColle ge.

Nadia now has a permanent job atBristol City Council working in thefinance team, after she spent a yearworking as an apprentice in a dif-ferent department.

Nadia said: “I studied at collegebefore undertaking my apprentice-ship, and did a three-month place-ment at the college.

“I then started my apprenticeshipat Bristol City Council in March 2014.I decided I wanted to do an appren-

ticeship as I wanted to gain work-place skills that would betransferable in any job, and I thoughtthat would be the best way to doit.

“The experience I have gained sofar has been excellent.

“There are always people on handto help and support you, and you arelearning so much every day.

“The admin-based office skills youlearn are very important,

“I don’t think you can get thoseskills from studying an academicc o u r s e. ”

Nadia, who lives in the Old Market

area of Bristol, added that she felt itwas important for her to gain asmuch experience as possiblebefore embarking on a career, and

said an apprenticeship offerspeople the chance to earn, work ands t u dy.

She said: “You are still studying

and gaining qualifications as wellas life skills.

“I think it is a great option.“I don’t think I would have been

able to gain my full-time job herewithout doing my apprenticeshipfirst, so it has definitely been astep up to help me in my career.”



JEFF Way Electrical is a Bris-tol-based family business whichcompletes electrical installa-tions to new-build, commercialand domestic projects.Dedicated to encouraging the

next generation of electricians,the company has taken on 60 ap-prentices over the years (including 25in the last four years) and a quarter ofthe workforce has either completedan apprenticeship or is an appren-t i c e.

The four directors are all part of theWay family and have grown the busi-ness over the years to the point whereit now employs more than 125 staffand has a fleet of 50 vehicles. Thecompany turns over £9m.

The company wires new housingsites for many large national housebuilders, including Taylor Wimpey,and also designs and builds systemsfor large residential schemes, such asPort Marine in Portishead, and Wap-ping Wharf, in Bristol.

Jeff Way Electrical is also com-pleting the electrical installation atBath Riverside development and ispart of a large upgrade programme toBristol City Council’s properties,completing work on approximately1,400 properties per year.

In the commercial field, the com-pany takes on specialist installations,such as museum and gallery lighting

and lift shaft upgrades. Each appren-tice is dedicated to a particular areaof the business for a period of timeand is assigned a mentor.

Their progress is monitored bothin work and at college and the com-pany is proud of the good qualitytraining it provides to apprentices;the pass rate is very high and em-ployment is always offered at the endof the apprenticeship.

A company spokesman said: “Weconsider ourselves to be an excellentemployer and can offer training in allareas of the electrical industry.

“We have been a finalist in themedium employer category of theBristol Post Business Awards and oneapprentice was a finalist for Out-standing Apprentice of the Year.

“We are very proud to offer suchtraining and career opportunities tothe next generation of electriciansand it is so pleasing to be able to statethat 25 per cent of our staff are eitherin an apprenticeship or have com-pleted an apprenticeship with us.”

Training up 60 electricians – and counting“We are very proud tooffer such training andcareer opportunities tothe next generation ofelectricians.

Jeff Way Electrical Apprenticeships

Jeff Way Electrical Services Ltd are great believers in the apprenticeship scheme and during the past 10 years we have had in

excess of 40 apprentices working through the apprenticeship program.

Our successful apprenticeships have been recognised with Jeff Way Electrical Services being awarded South West Employer of the Year. We

have also seen success with a number of our apprentices being nominated for the South West Apprentice of the Year, with one actually winning the award and being nominated for the National Apprentice of the Year.

The Square l Knowle l Bristol l BS4 2SS l 0117 909 0517 l www.jeffway.co.uk l [email protected]

Giving you the spark you need for your future...

To fi nd out more visit www.jeffway.co.uk or call 0117 909 0517

YOU would expect Weston Col-lege bosses to say that theapprenticeships it offers areawesome – but you don’t justhave to take their word for

it.The apprentices themselves have

been taking to social media to spreadthe word about the many benefits oftheir training, in the hope of en-couraging others to take up appren-t i c e s h i p s.

Short film clips and selfies wereposted by apprentices on a dedicatedapprenticeship Facebook page, withkey facts and questions in order toencourage ‘l i ke s ’ and ‘s h a re s ’.

The campaign was organised aspart of National ApprenticeshipWeek by Weston College’s Appren-ticeship recruitment team, whichworks closely with a dedicated salesteam that engages with businesses tocreate apprenticeship opportunities.

James Wilmot, ApprenticeshipsRecruitment Coordinator, said: “T he

Facebook campaign has been enorm-ous fun and the apprenticeship teamreally enjoyed posting the clips andselfies online.

“It was fantastic to see our ap-prentices enjoying their work somuch and promoting apprentice-ships in such a positive way.”

More than 8,000 people werereached by Facebook during the cam-paign. Chocolates were delivered tomany of the contributing apprenticesand Argos vouchers given to the beste n t r i e s.

Winners were Becky Millard, atDebbie Fortune Estate Agents, andWill Dix-McGrath and Lois Erasmus,who are both at Castellan (all pic-t u re d ) .

Apprentice sales negotiator BeckyMillard said: “Apprenticeships areawesome. Whether you are looking togain practical skills alongside qual-ifications, or are looking for an al-ternative to university, apprentice-ships provide the skills employers

want and provide you with an in-c o m e. ”

Apprentice customer service ad-ministrator Lois Erasmus said: “Iwanted to be able to channel myenthusiasm to helping people andmaking sure they were satisfied withthe services they were provided with,and I feel that, after beginning myapprenticeship, I have been able to do

those things.” Weston College – theTES FE College of the Year 2015 –works with more than 1,400 employ-ers, large and small, across the SouthWest, in nearly 100 different sectors.

There are many benefits to beingan apprentice; there is the oppor-tunity to earn while you learn, beingpaid a wage while working towardsnationally-recognised qualifications,

and all the time gaining extremelyvaluable, hands-on, real-industry, ex-perience. For businesses, proven be-nefits include increased productivity,a more motivated workforce, reducedrecruitment and training costs andmany more.� For more information, contact thecollege’s Business Enterprise Centreon 01934 411 594.

Apprentices singthe praises ofcollege scheme


For the apprentice• The chance to "earnwhile you learn" by taking home awage• Gain valuable practical work experience• Work towards a nationally-recognised qualification• 90%ofWeston College apprentices are offered permanentpositions by their employers at the end of their trainingprogrammes.

For the employer• Proven increased productivity• Reduced recruitment and training costs• Improved staff morale and increased staff retention rates• Youmay qualify for AGE grant funding; youWILLreceive outstanding support fromWeston College

Find outmore:Email: [email protected]: 01934 411 594Visit: www.weston.ac.uk/apprenticeships


JEFF Way Electrical is a Bris-tol-based family business whichcompletes electrical installa-tions to new-build, commercialand domestic projects.Dedicated to encouraging the

next generation of electricians,the company has taken on 60 ap-prentices over the years (including 25in the last four years) and a quarter ofthe workforce has either completedan apprenticeship or is an appren-t i c e.

The four directors are all part of theWay family and have grown the busi-ness over the years to the point whereit now employs more than 125 staffand has a fleet of 50 vehicles. Thecompany turns over £9m.

The company wires new housingsites for many large national housebuilders, including Taylor Wimpey,and also designs and builds systemsfor large residential schemes, such asPort Marine in Portishead, and Wap-ping Wharf, in Bristol.

Jeff Way Electrical is also com-pleting the electrical installation atBath Riverside development and ispart of a large upgrade programme toBristol City Council’s properties,completing work on approximately1,400 properties per year.

In the commercial field, the com-pany takes on specialist installations,such as museum and gallery lighting

and lift shaft upgrades. Each appren-tice is dedicated to a particular areaof the business for a period of timeand is assigned a mentor.

Their progress is monitored bothin work and at college and the com-pany is proud of the good qualitytraining it provides to apprentices;the pass rate is very high and em-ployment is always offered at the endof the apprenticeship.

A company spokesman said: “Weconsider ourselves to be an excellentemployer and can offer training in allareas of the electrical industry.

“We have been a finalist in themedium employer category of theBristol Post Business Awards and oneapprentice was a finalist for Out-standing Apprentice of the Year.

“We are very proud to offer suchtraining and career opportunities tothe next generation of electriciansand it is so pleasing to be able to statethat 25 per cent of our staff are eitherin an apprenticeship or have com-pleted an apprenticeship with us.”

Training up 60 electricians – and counting“We are very proud tooffer such training andcareer opportunities tothe next generation ofelectricians.

Jeff Way Electrical Apprenticeships

Jeff Way Electrical Services Ltd are great believers in the apprenticeship scheme and during the past 10 years we have had in

excess of 40 apprentices working through the apprenticeship program.

Our successful apprenticeships have been recognised with Jeff Way Electrical Services being awarded South West Employer of the Year. We

have also seen success with a number of our apprentices being nominated for the South West Apprentice of the Year, with one actually winning the award and being nominated for the National Apprentice of the Year.

The Square l Knowle l Bristol l BS4 2SS l 0117 909 0517 l www.jeffway.co.uk l [email protected]

Giving you the spark you need for your future...

To fi nd out more visit www.jeffway.co.uk or call 0117 909 0517

YOU would expect Weston Col-lege bosses to say that theapprenticeships it offers areawesome – but you don’t justhave to take their word for

it.The apprentices themselves have

been taking to social media to spreadthe word about the many benefits oftheir training, in the hope of en-couraging others to take up appren-t i c e s h i p s.

Short film clips and selfies wereposted by apprentices on a dedicatedapprenticeship Facebook page, withkey facts and questions in order toencourage ‘l i ke s ’ and ‘s h a re s ’.

The campaign was organised aspart of National ApprenticeshipWeek by Weston College’s Appren-ticeship recruitment team, whichworks closely with a dedicated salesteam that engages with businesses tocreate apprenticeship opportunities.

James Wilmot, ApprenticeshipsRecruitment Coordinator, said: “T he

Facebook campaign has been enorm-ous fun and the apprenticeship teamreally enjoyed posting the clips andselfies online.

“It was fantastic to see our ap-prentices enjoying their work somuch and promoting apprentice-ships in such a positive way.”

More than 8,000 people werereached by Facebook during the cam-paign. Chocolates were delivered tomany of the contributing apprenticesand Argos vouchers given to the beste n t r i e s.

Winners were Becky Millard, atDebbie Fortune Estate Agents, andWill Dix-McGrath and Lois Erasmus,who are both at Castellan (all pic-t u re d ) .

Apprentice sales negotiator BeckyMillard said: “Apprenticeships areawesome. Whether you are looking togain practical skills alongside qual-ifications, or are looking for an al-ternative to university, apprentice-ships provide the skills employers

want and provide you with an in-c o m e. ”

Apprentice customer service ad-ministrator Lois Erasmus said: “Iwanted to be able to channel myenthusiasm to helping people andmaking sure they were satisfied withthe services they were provided with,and I feel that, after beginning myapprenticeship, I have been able to do

those things.” Weston College – theTES FE College of the Year 2015 –works with more than 1,400 employ-ers, large and small, across the SouthWest, in nearly 100 different sectors.

There are many benefits to beingan apprentice; there is the oppor-tunity to earn while you learn, beingpaid a wage while working towardsnationally-recognised qualifications,

and all the time gaining extremelyvaluable, hands-on, real-industry, ex-perience. For businesses, proven be-nefits include increased productivity,a more motivated workforce, reducedrecruitment and training costs andmany more.� For more information, contact thecollege’s Business Enterprise Centreon 01934 411 594.

Apprentices singthe praises ofcollege scheme


For the apprentice• The chance to "earnwhile you learn" by taking home awage• Gain valuable practical work experience• Work towards a nationally-recognised qualification• 90%ofWeston College apprentices are offered permanentpositions by their employers at the end of their trainingprogrammes.

For the employer• Proven increased productivity• Reduced recruitment and training costs• Improved staff morale and increased staff retention rates• Youmay qualify for AGE grant funding; youWILLreceive outstanding support fromWeston College

Find outmore:Email: [email protected]: 01934 411 594Visit: www.weston.ac.uk/apprenticeships


’O u tst a n d i n g ’college offersrange of options

IN the short time since the form-ation of South Gloucestershire &Stroud College in 2011 (followingthe merger of Filton and Stroudcolleges) the new college has

gone from strength to strength, asconfirmed in the recent Ofsted in-spection in November 2014.

With “outstanding” grades for lead-ership and management, learningsupport, business and sport, and a“good” overall grade, the college ishighlighted as an excellent exampleof a successful merger.

Apprenticeship provision has beenparticularly successful, with morethan 1,200 apprentices per year andboth overall and timely success rateswell ahead of national averages. Wellover half the apprentices are in the“outstanding” faculties of businessand sport.

SGS College offers a wide range ofapprenticeships within the Bristol,Stroud, South Gloucestershire and

Gloucestershire areas in the follow-ing sectors:� Team leading, management andHR management� Business administration, customerservice and retail� Sales, marketing and social media� IT professional, IT user and webdesign� Construction Trades, Plumbingand Electrical� Engineering� Accountancy (AAT) and supplychain management� Sports – activity leadership, sportsdevelopment and AASE� Health and social care, early yearsand children and young peopleswo rk fo rc e� Education and schools

Much of the growth is attributableto long-term partnerships with keyemployers, both large and small.These include public sector organ-isations, such as South Gloucester-

shire Council and the Ministry ofDefence, large multinationals, suchas Boeing, and local employers in alls e c t o r s.

Patrick Mcleod, Head of OffsiteProvision, said: “We pride ourselveson working closely with our employ-ers, to ensure we get a clear un-derstanding of their requirements.We know their teams and we are ableto help them recruit great appren-tices that become real assets to theirbusinesses. We make sure the learn-ing plan is tailored to meet theirskills needs. For example, all our ITapprentices are following a differentmix of units, depending on their in-dividual job roles. We have studentsemployed in IT support functions,software development, network andserver support, cabling and network-ing and in web design roles. Most

apprentices continue into permanentemployment with their employer andmany progress to a higher level ofapprenticeship. We have had a num-ber of our apprentices become Ap-prenticeship Ambassadors, topromote the programme to other em-ployers and would-be apprentices.”

Another area of growth is the newrange of Higher Apprenticeships,available at levels 4-7. These areoffered in the sectors of business,innovation and growth, HR manage-ment, accountancy, IT, supply chain,marketing, care, and, from Septem-ber, in construction management andengineering. SGS College offers avery successful recruitment servicefor employers considering taking onan apprentice. There is a talent poolof apprenticeship-ready students ontraineeships, there are more than

4,000 college students and, throughthe work with the school careers ser-vices and external partnerships, thevacancy matching staff are perfectlyplaced to find the right individual,not only to fit the job role but to fit theteam. In 2013-14 SGS College filled 87per cent of the apprenticeship va-cancies advertised.

Calvin Blay-Field, General Man-ager of Tedim International Ltd.added: “Through the continued workwith SGS College’s apprentice re-cruitment, we have successfully re-cruited apprentices for many areas ofour business and are looking to ex-pand this further over the comingm o n t h s. ”� For more information, contact theapprenticeship team on 0800 0726077, or email [email protected]

‘Sending in the application form wasthe best thing I’ve done in a long time’South Gloucestershire andStroud (SGS) College offersstudents a huge range of ex-citing and rewarding appren-ticeships across a variety ofindustries. The college workswith the Ministry of Defenceto offer a range of appren-ticeship places, and here fourapprentices explain how theygot their sought-after place-ments:

Case study: Tom Gregory“I joined the Defence CommercialApprentice Programme (DCAP) inJanuary 2014 following an intensivebut rewarding recruitment process.After an enjoyable induction weekthat included a visit to PortsmouthNaval Base, I joined my first sixmonth placement in the Air to AirMissiles team within the WeaponsOperating Centre.

“After being introduced to theteam, I was given an overview of thevarious interesting projects in theirportfolio and made to feel at home.

“Alongside my mandatory trainingand college attendance, I’ve been as-sisting my team with their variousday to day activities and have alreadybeen on several visits to gain firsthand experience of the sort of equip-ment that is supplied to our ArmedFo rc e s.

“With the exceptionally supportiveenvironment provided by the DCAPteam, the opportunity to gain in-dustry recognised qualifications andthe excellent working environment, Ido not hesitate in recommending theprogramme to anyone looking for afulfilling career in the Ministry ofD e f e n c e. ”

Case Study: Claire Bennett“Since leaving sixth-form, I had beenworking for a large insurance com-pany. Although this was a challen-ging role, there was no scope forfurther professional development orthe chance to learn new skills.

“I applied for the Defence Com-mercial Apprenticeship Programmeas it provided me with the additionallearning opportunities that I craved,whilst still offering me a generousmonthly salary.

“I had never previously considereda role in Commercial, or realised thistype of apprenticeship existed, butafter the comprehensive inductionweek that the MOD offer, I knew I hadmade the right choice. In addition,the role of a Commercial Officer al-lows you to help the Armed Forcesdirectly which is something thatreally appealed to me.

“After being in my initial place-ment for just two weeks, I had alreadyput steps in place to purchasehigh-tech equipment for the SpecialForces to use.

Other opportunities have included:visiting the RAF base in Brize Nor-ton, a boat trip around Portsmouth

Naval Harbour and the chance toattend a networking event in the Lon-don Main Building.”

Case study: Dylan Balgobin“Having taught English as an Ad-ditional Language teacher for the bet-ter part of seven years, I craved achange in career.

“When I saw the advert for the

Commercial Apprenticeship Pro-gramme offered by the MOD, Ijumped at the opportunity and ap-plied.

“As a part of the Apprenticeshipprogram there are countless trainingopportunities including an NVQ inSupply Chain Management as well asa professionally accredited and re-cognised qualification from theChartered Institute of Purchasing &Supply (CIPS) which is second ton o n e.

“It may seem a daunting task, butwe spend one afternoon a week atcollege, have our very own Assessors,Line Managers and Placement LineManagers who only want us to suc-ceed.

“We are each given a Buddy,someone with a bit more experiencethan us in working at the MOD, and aMentor who can help with careerd e c i s i o n s.

“Highly competitive, this appren-ticeship offers an incredible oppor-tunity to be part of the vast machine,supporting all parts of our ArmedFo rc e s.

“Sending in that application hasbeen the best thing I’ve done, in a verylong time.”

Case study: Ben Newmarch-ChristensenAfter 12 years in the Royal Air Forceas a Logistics specialist and workingfor a year within various Logisticroles outside of the Military, I neededto start my career over again. TheCommercial Apprenticeship Pro-gramme has provided me that op-por tunity.

“At first when I saw it advertised Ifelt I was too long in the tooth andunder qualified having no A-Levelsor a degree to participate in thescheme, but the support from my wifeand family helped me decide this wasa good move for me, so I applied andhere I am now. I must confess I hadprior knowledge of how the end userwould receive and utilise the kit buthad no knowledge of how it was pro-cured and brought into service.

“This is what enticed me into thecommercial role, the thrill of a newchallenge presented by the unknown.The programme gives you the abilityto learn new skills and to gain aprofessionally recognised qualifica-tion sort after around the globe andaccredited by the Chartered Instituteof Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

“You are given an incredibleamount of support to allow you toachieve the CIPS qualification, withthe scheme providing you mentorsand buddies whom support you in allthings civil service.

You will do placement in the vari-ous departments based at AbbeyWood, giving you valuable insightinto the workings of a CommercialOfficer allowing you to develop theskills needed for a fruitful career. I’mcurrently working within the ForceProtection commercial role review-ing contracts and liaising with con-tractors, providing details andactions for them to accept and makeamendments to running contracts,whilst attending college once a weekworking towards my accreditationfor CIPS.

“The team of commercial experts Iwork with monitor my progress andadvise me every step of the way andare helping me to manage and sup-port current contracts that arevital for ongoing operations world-wide. This experience has beensecond to none for me and I would sayto anyone reading this that wants afresh start, the Commercial Appren-ticeship Programme is for you.”

� Dylan Balgobin, Claire Bennett, Tom Gregory and Ben Newmarch-Christensen


BusinessSolutions

GET IN. GO FAR

ApprenticeshipsThe smart way to grow your business

REDUCE

YOUR HIRING &

RECRUITMENT

COSTS!

0800 072 6077www.sgscol.ac.uk

[email protected]


’O u tst a n d i n g ’college offersrange of options

IN the short time since the form-ation of South Gloucestershire &Stroud College in 2011 (followingthe merger of Filton and Stroudcolleges) the new college has

gone from strength to strength, asconfirmed in the recent Ofsted in-spection in November 2014.

With “outstanding” grades for lead-ership and management, learningsupport, business and sport, and a“good” overall grade, the college ishighlighted as an excellent exampleof a successful merger.

Apprenticeship provision has beenparticularly successful, with morethan 1,200 apprentices per year andboth overall and timely success rateswell ahead of national averages. Wellover half the apprentices are in the“outstanding” faculties of businessand sport.

SGS College offers a wide range ofapprenticeships within the Bristol,Stroud, South Gloucestershire and

Gloucestershire areas in the follow-ing sectors:� Team leading, management andHR management� Business administration, customerservice and retail� Sales, marketing and social media� IT professional, IT user and webdesign� Construction Trades, Plumbingand Electrical� Engineering� Accountancy (AAT) and supplychain management� Sports – activity leadership, sportsdevelopment and AASE� Health and social care, early yearsand children and young peopleswo rk fo rc e� Education and schools

Much of the growth is attributableto long-term partnerships with keyemployers, both large and small.These include public sector organ-isations, such as South Gloucester-

shire Council and the Ministry ofDefence, large multinationals, suchas Boeing, and local employers in alls e c t o r s.

Patrick Mcleod, Head of OffsiteProvision, said: “We pride ourselveson working closely with our employ-ers, to ensure we get a clear un-derstanding of their requirements.We know their teams and we are ableto help them recruit great appren-tices that become real assets to theirbusinesses. We make sure the learn-ing plan is tailored to meet theirskills needs. For example, all our ITapprentices are following a differentmix of units, depending on their in-dividual job roles. We have studentsemployed in IT support functions,software development, network andserver support, cabling and network-ing and in web design roles. Most

apprentices continue into permanentemployment with their employer andmany progress to a higher level ofapprenticeship. We have had a num-ber of our apprentices become Ap-prenticeship Ambassadors, topromote the programme to other em-ployers and would-be apprentices.”

Another area of growth is the newrange of Higher Apprenticeships,available at levels 4-7. These areoffered in the sectors of business,innovation and growth, HR manage-ment, accountancy, IT, supply chain,marketing, care, and, from Septem-ber, in construction management andengineering. SGS College offers avery successful recruitment servicefor employers considering taking onan apprentice. There is a talent poolof apprenticeship-ready students ontraineeships, there are more than

4,000 college students and, throughthe work with the school careers ser-vices and external partnerships, thevacancy matching staff are perfectlyplaced to find the right individual,not only to fit the job role but to fit theteam. In 2013-14 SGS College filled 87per cent of the apprenticeship va-cancies advertised.

Calvin Blay-Field, General Man-ager of Tedim International Ltd.added: “Through the continued workwith SGS College’s apprentice re-cruitment, we have successfully re-cruited apprentices for many areas ofour business and are looking to ex-pand this further over the comingm o n t h s. ”� For more information, contact theapprenticeship team on 0800 0726077, or email [email protected]

‘Sending in the application form wasthe best thing I’ve done in a long time’South Gloucestershire andStroud (SGS) College offersstudents a huge range of ex-citing and rewarding appren-ticeships across a variety ofindustries. The college workswith the Ministry of Defenceto offer a range of appren-ticeship places, and here fourapprentices explain how theygot their sought-after place-ments:

Case study: Tom Gregory“I joined the Defence CommercialApprentice Programme (DCAP) inJanuary 2014 following an intensivebut rewarding recruitment process.After an enjoyable induction weekthat included a visit to PortsmouthNaval Base, I joined my first sixmonth placement in the Air to AirMissiles team within the WeaponsOperating Centre.

“After being introduced to theteam, I was given an overview of thevarious interesting projects in theirportfolio and made to feel at home.

“Alongside my mandatory trainingand college attendance, I’ve been as-sisting my team with their variousday to day activities and have alreadybeen on several visits to gain firsthand experience of the sort of equip-ment that is supplied to our ArmedFo rc e s.

“With the exceptionally supportiveenvironment provided by the DCAPteam, the opportunity to gain in-dustry recognised qualifications andthe excellent working environment, Ido not hesitate in recommending theprogramme to anyone looking for afulfilling career in the Ministry ofD e f e n c e. ”

Case Study: Claire Bennett“Since leaving sixth-form, I had beenworking for a large insurance com-pany. Although this was a challen-ging role, there was no scope forfurther professional development orthe chance to learn new skills.

“I applied for the Defence Com-mercial Apprenticeship Programmeas it provided me with the additionallearning opportunities that I craved,whilst still offering me a generousmonthly salary.

“I had never previously considereda role in Commercial, or realised thistype of apprenticeship existed, butafter the comprehensive inductionweek that the MOD offer, I knew I hadmade the right choice. In addition,the role of a Commercial Officer al-lows you to help the Armed Forcesdirectly which is something thatreally appealed to me.

“After being in my initial place-ment for just two weeks, I had alreadyput steps in place to purchasehigh-tech equipment for the SpecialForces to use.

Other opportunities have included:visiting the RAF base in Brize Nor-ton, a boat trip around Portsmouth

Naval Harbour and the chance toattend a networking event in the Lon-don Main Building.”

Case study: Dylan Balgobin“Having taught English as an Ad-ditional Language teacher for the bet-ter part of seven years, I craved achange in career.

“When I saw the advert for the

Commercial Apprenticeship Pro-gramme offered by the MOD, Ijumped at the opportunity and ap-plied.

“As a part of the Apprenticeshipprogram there are countless trainingopportunities including an NVQ inSupply Chain Management as well asa professionally accredited and re-cognised qualification from theChartered Institute of Purchasing &Supply (CIPS) which is second ton o n e.

“It may seem a daunting task, butwe spend one afternoon a week atcollege, have our very own Assessors,Line Managers and Placement LineManagers who only want us to suc-ceed.

“We are each given a Buddy,someone with a bit more experiencethan us in working at the MOD, and aMentor who can help with careerd e c i s i o n s.

“Highly competitive, this appren-ticeship offers an incredible oppor-tunity to be part of the vast machine,supporting all parts of our ArmedFo rc e s.

“Sending in that application hasbeen the best thing I’ve done, in a verylong time.”

Case study: Ben Newmarch-ChristensenAfter 12 years in the Royal Air Forceas a Logistics specialist and workingfor a year within various Logisticroles outside of the Military, I neededto start my career over again. TheCommercial Apprenticeship Pro-gramme has provided me that op-por tunity.

“At first when I saw it advertised Ifelt I was too long in the tooth andunder qualified having no A-Levelsor a degree to participate in thescheme, but the support from my wifeand family helped me decide this wasa good move for me, so I applied andhere I am now. I must confess I hadprior knowledge of how the end userwould receive and utilise the kit buthad no knowledge of how it was pro-cured and brought into service.

“This is what enticed me into thecommercial role, the thrill of a newchallenge presented by the unknown.The programme gives you the abilityto learn new skills and to gain aprofessionally recognised qualifica-tion sort after around the globe andaccredited by the Chartered Instituteof Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

“You are given an incredibleamount of support to allow you toachieve the CIPS qualification, withthe scheme providing you mentorsand buddies whom support you in allthings civil service.

You will do placement in the vari-ous departments based at AbbeyWood, giving you valuable insightinto the workings of a CommercialOfficer allowing you to develop theskills needed for a fruitful career. I’mcurrently working within the ForceProtection commercial role review-ing contracts and liaising with con-tractors, providing details andactions for them to accept and makeamendments to running contracts,whilst attending college once a weekworking towards my accreditationfor CIPS.

“The team of commercial experts Iwork with monitor my progress andadvise me every step of the way andare helping me to manage and sup-port current contracts that arevital for ongoing operations world-wide. This experience has beensecond to none for me and I would sayto anyone reading this that wants afresh start, the Commercial Appren-ticeship Programme is for you.”

� Dylan Balgobin, Claire Bennett, Tom Gregory and Ben Newmarch-Christensen


BusinessSolutions

GET IN. GO FAR

ApprenticeshipsThe smart way to grow your business

REDUCE

YOUR HIRING &

RECRUITMENT

COSTS!

0800 072 6077www.sgscol.ac.uk

[email protected]


How Chloe got on the fast track to success

CHLOE is a first year tech-nical apprentice with BristolAudi, which she joined inNovember 2014. She says: “Id i d n’t consider a technical

apprenticeship even though my fam-ily have always been into cars. I ori-ginally wanted to be a midwife, butthe month of my GCSEs I startedtalking to a neighbour who was work-ing on his car and within a week I haddecided to change my career. I knewthen that I wanted to work withc a r s.

“I have always learnt better withpractical things, and have alwaysbeen quite mechanical and, while Idid well with my written exams, Id i d n’t enjoy them. So, learning whileworking through an apprenticeshipwas the best option for me.

“In work I have been learningabout how to service a car and whythat needs to be completed, and aboutdiagnosing faults from both softwareand mechanical components.

“My mentor is a gearbox specialistand I really enjoy working with him. Ilove that I find all the complicatedmechanical stuff easy to under-stand!

“I attend college every other monthfor a week at a time. Most recently, wehave been learning about brakingand steering. On our last block-re-

lease week we took a car apart andthen put it back together again,which I really enjoyed.

“When we are at college we stayaway at a hotel that is specifically forapprentices. It is a really sociableplace, with lots of things to do, in-cluding a games room, TV room, gymand a massive restaurant, with reallygood food. They also organise anactivity night – last time we went to aLaser Tag event, which was greatfun.

“There are only two girls on mycourse and, while the motor industryis perceived as a very male-domin-ated industry, I get on really well witheveryone and just feel like one of thelads. They are like my brothers I havemade some really good friends.

“My ambition once I have qualifiedis to train to become a master tech-nician; I want to see how far I can get.Maybe ultimately I’d like to workwith Red Bull, but I know I can alwayscome back home to Bristol Audi.”

“My ambition once Ihave qualified is to trainto become a mastertechnician; I want to seehow far I can get.

NOT everyone leaving school knows whatthey want to do with their life. This cer-tainly was the case for Montell, who leftschool with few qualifications and no ideawhat to do as a career. All he knew was thathe loved sport.

He started the Second Chance Coach-makers programme and he quickly foundd i re c t i o n .

His natural leadership ability becameapparent early on and he developed into amotivated and dedicated learner. He im-pressed so much while on his work place-ment with Access Sport, coaching multisports around the city, that they invited himto interview for an Apprenticeship – and hewas successful.

Some time into the apprenticeship, Mon-tell decided his goal was university. In orderto get there he needed his level 3 BTEC. Onfinishing his apprenticeship he progressedto SGS College in Bristol, where he con-tinued to excel in his studies.

2nd Chance met Montell’s tutor at SGSCollege at a careers event. Both agreed howexceptional his journey was and what anamazing role model he was to his peers. Asa result, they nominated Montell for theBristol Young Heroes Awards in the Edu-cation Hero category.

On March 28 at the Bristol Young HeroesAwards, 2nd Chance, SGS College, Montelland his mum, all attended to await theresult of his category. It was a tough cat-egory as the other two young men short-lis-ted were outstanding, but Montell wasnamed as the winner and all of his sup-porters erupted; he received the biggestcheer of the night. An apprenticeship andthe right support gave Montell the oppor-tunity – he did all the hard work.What areyou waiting for?

Young heroMontell aninspiration

Start your journey with us

For more information visit www. monmotors.com

The Mon Motors Group is a proud, family run company that was established in 1971. Today we are one of the largest automotive dealer groups in South Wales and the West of England. The Group is made up of main dealerships for Audi, Ford, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen, along with a number of multi-brand service centres, body shops and TPS (our trade parts division).

Our Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen staff all benefit from Volkswagen Group training, which includes the Volkswagen Group Advanced Apprenticeship Programme. Each of these Volkswagen Group brands has a reputation for providing service and training that is second to none. A successful business demands a skilled workforce. And a skilled workforce demands training and knowledge. It’s that simple.

We want to attract, develop and retain people with a broad range of skills. Our apprentices who are trained through the Volkswagen Group Programme add real benefits to our dealerships, and, in return, have the chance to build the foundations for an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling career.

Apprenticeships 2015

Are you aged 16-18 andpassionate about sport?Have you thought abouta career as a sports coach?On this dynamic, full time, one yearcollege course, you will gain coachingqualifications and experience withcoaching companies across the city.80% of our learners progress into anapprenticeship afterwards.

Course locations:Knowle, Yate, ClevedonContact us for an application format [email protected] our office on 0117 903 9772

Your direct routeinto careerSin the Sport industry

Connect with us:Visit www.2ndchanceproject.co.uk/coachmakerswww.facebook.com/coachmakerstrainingFollow us on Twitter @coachmakers1


How Chloe got on the fast track to success

CHLOE is a first year tech-nical apprentice with BristolAudi, which she joined inNovember 2014. She says: “Id i d n’t consider a technical

apprenticeship even though my fam-ily have always been into cars. I ori-ginally wanted to be a midwife, butthe month of my GCSEs I startedtalking to a neighbour who was work-ing on his car and within a week I haddecided to change my career. I knewthen that I wanted to work withc a r s.

“I have always learnt better withpractical things, and have alwaysbeen quite mechanical and, while Idid well with my written exams, Id i d n’t enjoy them. So, learning whileworking through an apprenticeshipwas the best option for me.

“In work I have been learningabout how to service a car and whythat needs to be completed, and aboutdiagnosing faults from both softwareand mechanical components.

“My mentor is a gearbox specialistand I really enjoy working with him. Ilove that I find all the complicatedmechanical stuff easy to under-stand!

“I attend college every other monthfor a week at a time. Most recently, wehave been learning about brakingand steering. On our last block-re-

lease week we took a car apart andthen put it back together again,which I really enjoyed.

“When we are at college we stayaway at a hotel that is specifically forapprentices. It is a really sociableplace, with lots of things to do, in-cluding a games room, TV room, gymand a massive restaurant, with reallygood food. They also organise anactivity night – last time we went to aLaser Tag event, which was greatfun.

“There are only two girls on mycourse and, while the motor industryis perceived as a very male-domin-ated industry, I get on really well witheveryone and just feel like one of thelads. They are like my brothers I havemade some really good friends.

“My ambition once I have qualifiedis to train to become a master tech-nician; I want to see how far I can get.Maybe ultimately I’d like to workwith Red Bull, but I know I can alwayscome back home to Bristol Audi.”

“My ambition once Ihave qualified is to trainto become a mastertechnician; I want to seehow far I can get.

NOT everyone leaving school knows whatthey want to do with their life. This cer-tainly was the case for Montell, who leftschool with few qualifications and no ideawhat to do as a career. All he knew was thathe loved sport.

He started the Second Chance Coach-makers programme and he quickly foundd i re c t i o n .

His natural leadership ability becameapparent early on and he developed into amotivated and dedicated learner. He im-pressed so much while on his work place-ment with Access Sport, coaching multisports around the city, that they invited himto interview for an Apprenticeship – and hewas successful.

Some time into the apprenticeship, Mon-tell decided his goal was university. In orderto get there he needed his level 3 BTEC. Onfinishing his apprenticeship he progressedto SGS College in Bristol, where he con-tinued to excel in his studies.

2nd Chance met Montell’s tutor at SGSCollege at a careers event. Both agreed howexceptional his journey was and what anamazing role model he was to his peers. Asa result, they nominated Montell for theBristol Young Heroes Awards in the Edu-cation Hero category.

On March 28 at the Bristol Young HeroesAwards, 2nd Chance, SGS College, Montelland his mum, all attended to await theresult of his category. It was a tough cat-egory as the other two young men short-lis-ted were outstanding, but Montell wasnamed as the winner and all of his sup-porters erupted; he received the biggestcheer of the night. An apprenticeship andthe right support gave Montell the oppor-tunity – he did all the hard work.What areyou waiting for?

Young heroMontell aninspiration

Start your journey with us

For more information visit www. monmotors.com

The Mon Motors Group is a proud, family run company that was established in 1971. Today we are one of the largest automotive dealer groups in South Wales and the West of England. The Group is made up of main dealerships for Audi, Ford, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen, along with a number of multi-brand service centres, body shops and TPS (our trade parts division).

Our Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen staff all benefit from Volkswagen Group training, which includes the Volkswagen Group Advanced Apprenticeship Programme. Each of these Volkswagen Group brands has a reputation for providing service and training that is second to none. A successful business demands a skilled workforce. And a skilled workforce demands training and knowledge. It’s that simple.

We want to attract, develop and retain people with a broad range of skills. Our apprentices who are trained through the Volkswagen Group Programme add real benefits to our dealerships, and, in return, have the chance to build the foundations for an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling career.


Are you aged 16-18 andpassionate about sport?Have you thought abouta career as a sports coach?On this dynamic, full time, one yearcollege course, you will gain coachingqualifications and experience withcoaching companies across the city.80% of our learners progress into anapprenticeship afterwards.

Course locations:Knowle, Yate, ClevedonContact us for an application format [email protected] our office on 0117 903 9772

Your direct routeinto careerSin the Sport industry

Connect with us:Visit www.2ndchanceproject.co.uk/coachmakerswww.facebook.com/coachmakerstrainingFollow us on Twitter @coachmakers1


Apprentice electricians wanted in Bristol

Join Clarkson Evans’ award-winning team

www.clarksonevans.co.ukJoin the conversation @clarksonevans

As one of the UK’s fastest growing electrical contractors, we’re looking for flexible, energetic apprentices with a switched on attitude to learning.

Clarkson Evans wired one in 10 new homes in England & Wales last year and we’ve got a busy order book in the Bristol area. Our award-winning training, strong team spirit and excellent career prospects mean our local apprenticeship opportunities are in high demand.

You’ll get real experience working on new housing developments in the local area and will attend our training centre on a day release basis.

If you have ambition and a natural knack for all things practical you’ll light up our interest in you.You need to be aged 18+, hold a full driving licence and have good GCSE grades in English and maths. We offer long-term career prospects, bonus rewards for great performance, a company pension and free breakfast each morning!

If we’ve sparked your interest in a long-term career with Clarkson Evans visit www.clarksonevans.co.uk and click on ‘recruitment’ to apply online.

Bristol ad 170mm-270mm .indd 3 09/04/2015 10:45:17

CLARKSON Evans is one ofthe UK’s fastest growingfirms of electrical contract-ors, wiring one in 10 newhomes in England and Wales

last year.T hey’re big enough to win repeat

contracts from the UK’s leadinghouse builders, like Redrow, Barratt,Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon, yetsmall enough for Managing DirectorSteve Evans to take a personal in-terest in the career development ofeach apprentice.

They offer electrical apprentice-ship opportunities across most ofEngland & Wales and throughout theSouth West including Bristol, Bridg-water, Exeter and Gloucester. Almostthree quarters of their current qual-ified electricians completed their ap-prenticeship training with thecompany. Former apprentices alsomake up the bulk of the company’steam leaders and area supervisors

and several have made it onto theboard of directors.

Apprentices learn from some out-standing electricians as they gainbroad practical experience on hous-ing development sites, supplementedby classroom and workshop-basedtraining at the company’s in-housetraining centres.

By recruiting the best people andgiving them every opportunity to de-velop, Clarkson Evans know they’llcontinue to be market leaders in elec-trical contracting – and a great placeto work.

Many of the company’s most suc-cessful apprentices have gone on tobecome high performing team lead-e r s.

Bristol Apprenticeship FinalistRyan Jones, p i c t u re d , decided to giveup a successful career as a chef to joinClarkson Evans.

Being a chef saw Ryan work as partof a team in a fast-paced environ-

ment, taking on responsibility andusing his initiative. All these skillshave made Ryan a better electricalapprentice and have contributed tohim being selected to join a fast-trackapprenticeship group at ClarksonE va n s.

“I wanted to earn while I learnt atrade and having researched variouscompanies I decided upon ClarksonEvans because I liked their struc-tured approach to training. I was also

attracted to the company becausethey stress that they offer good careerprogression opportunities and ulti-mately I want to become a team lead-er and eventually an area supervisor.It was a risk giving up my job as a chefas I was doing really well but I know Imade the right decision. I can see myfuture in front of me and I’m verypositive about the opportunities thatwill develop when I complete my ap-p re n t i c e s h i p, ” said Ryan.

Apprentices playa central role forfast-track firm

“ I wanted to earn while Ilearnt a trade and havingresearched variouscompanies I decided onClarkson Evans becauseI liked their structuredapproach to training.”

Apprentice Ryan Jones

Why traininga c a d e my ’s a cutabove the rest

ARE you looking for high qual-ity, flexible hairdressing orbarbering training, with out-standing resources? Thenchoose Reflections Training

A c a d e my.This award-winning hairdressing

academy, based in the centre of Bris-tol, caters for learners of all ageswishing to train and develop a careerin ladies’ and gents’ h a i rd re s s i n g .

Apprenticeships on offer includeNVQ Level 2 and 3 diploma inhairdressing and an Level 2 inbarbering.

There is also a pre-apprenticeshipstudy programme, traineeships,training in English and maths, “em-ployability skills” and personallearning and thinking skills.

The academy’s mission statementis “Educate in order to innovate” andit aims to provide and uphold thehighest standard of training for alllear ners.

As a measure of excellence,

the academy was graded “outstand-ing” at its most recent Ofsted in-spection.

the flexible training programmestake place in four state-of-the-arthairdressing studios and a newbarbering facility. There’s also alearner “chill out” area with lockersand a computer room.

It’s a fun and friendly learningenvironment, with professional andhighly skilled tutors.

To help hone their skills, learnersare encouraged to take part in thea c a d e my ’s highly acclaimed learnercompetition.

Among the academy’s accoladesare: Investors in People award; Mat-rix Quality Standard award; UKHairdressing Council Student of theYear Level 3 winner 2013 and 2014;City & Guilds Medal of Excellencewinner 2014; Wella ProfessionalsXposure Gold winner 2014; NationalHairdressing Federation Photo-graphic Stylist finalist.

CASE STUDY 1

� Josh Parr, 23, HairdressingAdvanced ApprenticeshipLearner, employed at ModaHairdressing, Bristol

Josh won NationalStudent of the Year awardfrom the HairdressingCouncil which hedescribes as “an absolutelymassive achievement forme”. Describing theexperience, he continued: “Weall had to cut and style our model’shair within 50 minutes and I wasreally pleased with the final lookof my model. I then had aninterview with three judges,when I had to present mymodel, explain myinspiration, and how Icreated the look. .On aglam rock theme, I chose areally heavily texturedhaircut, with slices of brightcolours going from the crownthrough to the fringe. I then hadto present my model on stage,with two judges asking me questionson how I created the look, andwhat it would mean for me towin. When the judgesannounced me as thewinner I couldn’t have beenhappier. It has withoutdoubt been the highlight ofmy career in hairdressingso far, and I am extremelyexcited to see whatopportunities will come fromthis achievement. My ultimate

goal is to cut and style gents’ hair forphoto shoots and TV.”

CASE STUDY 2

� Yassin Darboe, 22,Hairdressing AdvancedApprenticeship Learner,working at Georgina’ssalon in Easton, Bristol.

Yassin is originally fromGambia, where she would

watch her mother styling hairand practice plaiting using sweet

corn husks. She moved to the UK in2008 to further her education and

opportunities, leaving behindher family. Yassin initiallyattended college to improveher English and thenenrolled on a hairdressingapprenticeship atReflections TrainingAcademy in 2012.Yassin has just completed

her Level 2 in hairdressing andis working towards Level 3.

Yassin loves cutting, plaiting,cornrows, extensions, styling and

colouring and has workedextremely hard to overcome

many barriers to pursuing hercareer in hairdressing. Shewent against her father’swishes, she undertook thecourse in her non-nativelanguage, she was awayfrom her family, her home

country and friends, but,despite all this, she has

excelled .

Josh Parr

“When the judges announced me as the winner I couldn’thave been happier. It has without doubt been the highlight ofmy career in hairdressing so far.”


Enrolling Hairdressing Apprentices NowContact: 0117 9221440www.reflectionstraining.co.uk

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEnnnnnnrrrrrrooooooooolllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg HHHHHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrddddddddddddrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg AAAAAAAAAAAAAAppppppppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiccccccccccceeeeeeeeeessssssssss NNNNNNNNNoooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwgggg gggg ppppppppCoonnttaaact: 0117 922144444400

ning.co.ukwww.rreflleeccttioonnsttraaiining.co.ukk

Reflections Training Academy


Apprentice electricians wanted in Bristol

Join Clarkson Evans’ award-winning team

www.clarksonevans.co.ukJoin the conversation @clarksonevans

As one of the UK’s fastest growing electrical contractors, we’re looking for flexible, energetic apprentices with a switched on attitude to learning.

Clarkson Evans wired one in 10 new homes in England & Wales last year and we’ve got a busy order book in the Bristol area. Our award-winning training, strong team spirit and excellent career prospects mean our local apprenticeship opportunities are in high demand.

You’ll get real experience working on new housing developments in the local area and will attend our training centre on a day release basis.

If you have ambition and a natural knack for all things practical you’ll light up our interest in you.You need to be aged 18+, hold a full driving licence and have good GCSE grades in English and maths. We offer long-term career prospects, bonus rewards for great performance, a company pension and free breakfast each morning!

If we’ve sparked your interest in a long-term career with Clarkson Evans visit www.clarksonevans.co.uk and click on ‘recruitment’ to apply online.

Bristol ad 170mm-270mm .indd 3 09/04/2015 10:45:17

CLARKSON Evans is one ofthe UK’s fastest growingfirms of electrical contract-ors, wiring one in 10 newhomes in England and Wales

last year.T hey’re big enough to win repeat

contracts from the UK’s leadinghouse builders, like Redrow, Barratt,Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon, yetsmall enough for Managing DirectorSteve Evans to take a personal in-terest in the career development ofeach apprentice.

They offer electrical apprentice-ship opportunities across most ofEngland & Wales and throughout theSouth West including Bristol, Bridg-water, Exeter and Gloucester. Almostthree quarters of their current qual-ified electricians completed their ap-prenticeship training with thecompany. Former apprentices alsomake up the bulk of the company’steam leaders and area supervisors

and several have made it onto theboard of directors.

Apprentices learn from some out-standing electricians as they gainbroad practical experience on hous-ing development sites, supplementedby classroom and workshop-basedtraining at the company’s in-housetraining centres.

By recruiting the best people andgiving them every opportunity to de-velop, Clarkson Evans know they’llcontinue to be market leaders in elec-trical contracting – and a great placeto work.

Many of the company’s most suc-cessful apprentices have gone on tobecome high performing team lead-e r s.

Bristol Apprenticeship FinalistRyan Jones, p i c t u re d , decided to giveup a successful career as a chef to joinClarkson Evans.

Being a chef saw Ryan work as partof a team in a fast-paced environ-

ment, taking on responsibility andusing his initiative. All these skillshave made Ryan a better electricalapprentice and have contributed tohim being selected to join a fast-trackapprenticeship group at ClarksonE va n s.

“I wanted to earn while I learnt atrade and having researched variouscompanies I decided upon ClarksonEvans because I liked their struc-tured approach to training. I was also

attracted to the company becausethey stress that they offer good careerprogression opportunities and ulti-mately I want to become a team lead-er and eventually an area supervisor.It was a risk giving up my job as a chefas I was doing really well but I know Imade the right decision. I can see myfuture in front of me and I’m verypositive about the opportunities thatwill develop when I complete my ap-p re n t i c e s h i p, ” said Ryan.

Apprentices playa central role forfast-track firm

“ I wanted to earn while Ilearnt a trade and havingresearched variouscompanies I decided onClarkson Evans becauseI liked their structuredapproach to training.”

Apprentice Ryan Jones

Why traininga c a d e my ’s a cutabove the rest

ARE you looking for high qual-ity, flexible hairdressing orbarbering training, with out-standing resources? Thenchoose Reflections Training

A c a d e my.This award-winning hairdressing

academy, based in the centre of Bris-tol, caters for learners of all ageswishing to train and develop a careerin ladies’ and gents’ h a i rd re s s i n g .

Apprenticeships on offer includeNVQ Level 2 and 3 diploma inhairdressing and an Level 2 inbarbering.

There is also a pre-apprenticeshipstudy programme, traineeships,training in English and maths, “em-ployability skills” and personallearning and thinking skills.

The academy’s mission statementis “Educate in order to innovate” andit aims to provide and uphold thehighest standard of training for alllear ners.

As a measure of excellence,

the academy was graded “outstand-ing” at its most recent Ofsted in-spection.

the flexible training programmestake place in four state-of-the-arthairdressing studios and a newbarbering facility. There’s also alearner “chill out” area with lockersand a computer room.

It’s a fun and friendly learningenvironment, with professional andhighly skilled tutors.

To help hone their skills, learnersare encouraged to take part in thea c a d e my ’s highly acclaimed learnercompetition.

Among the academy’s accoladesare: Investors in People award; Mat-rix Quality Standard award; UKHairdressing Council Student of theYear Level 3 winner 2013 and 2014;City & Guilds Medal of Excellencewinner 2014; Wella ProfessionalsXposure Gold winner 2014; NationalHairdressing Federation Photo-graphic Stylist finalist.

CASE STUDY 1

� Josh Parr, 23, HairdressingAdvanced ApprenticeshipLearner, employed at ModaHairdressing, Bristol

Josh won NationalStudent of the Year awardfrom the HairdressingCouncil which hedescribes as “an absolutelymassive achievement forme”. Describing theexperience, he continued: “Weall had to cut and style our model’shair within 50 minutes and I wasreally pleased with the final lookof my model. I then had aninterview with three judges,when I had to present mymodel, explain myinspiration, and how Icreated the look. .On aglam rock theme, I chose areally heavily texturedhaircut, with slices of brightcolours going from the crownthrough to the fringe. I then hadto present my model on stage,with two judges asking me questionson how I created the look, andwhat it would mean for me towin. When the judgesannounced me as thewinner I couldn’t have beenhappier. It has withoutdoubt been the highlight ofmy career in hairdressingso far, and I am extremelyexcited to see whatopportunities will come fromthis achievement. My ultimate

goal is to cut and style gents’ hair forphoto shoots and TV.”

CASE STUDY 2

� Yassin Darboe, 22,Hairdressing AdvancedApprenticeship Learner,working at Georgina’ssalon in Easton, Bristol.

Yassin is originally fromGambia, where she would

watch her mother styling hairand practice plaiting using sweet

corn husks. She moved to the UK in2008 to further her education and

opportunities, leaving behindher family. Yassin initiallyattended college to improveher English and thenenrolled on a hairdressingapprenticeship atReflections TrainingAcademy in 2012.Yassin has just completed

her Level 2 in hairdressing andis working towards Level 3.

Yassin loves cutting, plaiting,cornrows, extensions, styling and

colouring and has workedextremely hard to overcome

many barriers to pursuing hercareer in hairdressing. Shewent against her father’swishes, she undertook thecourse in her non-nativelanguage, she was awayfrom her family, her home

country and friends, but,despite all this, she has

excelled .

Josh Parr

“When the judges announced me as the winner I couldn’thave been happier. It has without doubt been the highlight ofmy career in hairdressing so far.”


Enrolling Hairdressing Apprentices NowContact: 0117 9221440www.reflectionstraining.co.uk

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEnnnnnnrrrrrrooooooooolllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg HHHHHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrddddddddddddrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg AAAAAAAAAAAAAAppppppppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiccccccccccceeeeeeeeeessssssssss NNNNNNNNNoooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwgggg gggg ppppppppCoonnttaaact: 0117 922144444400

ning.co.ukwww.rreflleeccttioonnsttraaiining.co.ukk

Reflections Training Academy


45 YEARS

OF BRICKLAYIN

G

DISTINCTIO

N

1 Kings Gate, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8ET

07885 282381

Working for major housebuilders such as :Bloor, Persimmon, Bovis, Taylor Wimpey, Charles Church,

Bellway, Linden & Edenstone.

We cover : Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire.

Our aim is to give our apprentices the strongest possible start in the construction industy. Our experienced

tradesmen offer excellent supervision of our apprentices.

DRINKWATERC O N S T R U C T I O NEMPLOYER OF APPRENTICES FOR 30 YEARS

BRISTOL-based Helm Con-struction is reaping thedividends of its in-houseapprenticeship pro-gramme as the UK con-

struction sector struggles to copewith a skills shortage.

Chief executive officer GarySheppard said the industry wouldhave been better placed to copewith the economic recovery if ithad adopted similarly robustlong-term training initiatives.

He said: “We are in the initialstages of the biggest building boomsince the 1970s, but the recessionhas left many firms struggling tofind the highly skilled workforcethey need to deliver on site, ontime. We see the current skillsshortage within the industry ascompletely self-inflicted.”

Construction sector commentat-ors are predicting the biggestboom will be in the South West,with more than 30,000 jobs createdalong with tens of thousands of

new homes. But Helm Construc-tion won’t be caught out, sidestep-ping labour shortages byexpanding its in-house trainingprogramme. The firm, which spe-cialises in new-build homes, com-mercial development and largesingle builds or extensions, isbringing forward its next gener-ation of apprentices rather thanrecruiting from a rapidly con-stricting labour pool or relying ons u b - c o n t r a c t o r s.

Helm Construction has justoffered two new apprenticeships toJames Fox and Lee Nicholls, whileKim Ritchings, Stuart Rawlingsand Scott Reeves have been onCITB training courses to speedtheir progress up through theranks. Site manager Kim said: “Wehave a strong record of bringing onand promoting our apprentices, se-cure in the knowledge they havedone things our way from day one.Scott Reeves worked his way upthrough the ranks to site foreman

after starting as an apprentice dur-ing the recession.

“We took the decision five yearsago to invest in a comprehensiveapprenticeship programme inorder to train the next generationof bricklayers, carpenters and elec-tricians and this is certainly pay-ing dividends now.”

Helm Construction’s highly ac-claimed training programme isbased on aiming all apprentices atthe NVQ 3 grade rather than thestandard NVQ 2. The scheme hasbeen extended to include slightlyolder candidates, giving people asecond chance to gain the correctqualifications for a career in thei n d u s t r y.

The firm’s training programme

is not confined to newcomers to theindustry. Each member of staff inevery department is encouraged tofollow a personal developmentpath and improve their qualific-at i o n s.

Chief Executive Gary Sheppardsaid: “We believe in breaking downthe traditional career progres-sions, ensuring that further train-ing is available for all employeesregardless of background and age.We are aiming to build the skills wehave within the company all atlevels, formalising qualificationsand encouraging employees on tospecially targeted career paths.”� For further information, contactHelm Construction on 01454 634020.

Scheme helpingto maintainbuilding boom

findmorebristolpost.co.uk/jobslocal jobs

LOCAL JOBS

ENGINEERING 44,400

4,678£63,000ENGINEERING BUSINESSES

www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/people-and-skills/infographic-sources

NATIONAL AVERAGE ANNUAL CHARTERED ENGINEER SALARY

A SAMPLE OF APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE:ENGINEERING ADVANCED

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE CRAFT TECHNICIAN

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE (SENIOR TECHNICIAN)

ENGINEERING INTERMEDIATE

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE (OPERATOR & SEMI-SKILLED)

IMPROVING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

RAIL ENGINEERING (TRACK)

INDUSTRY CATEGORIES

High Tech & Electronics

Manufacture & Mechanical

Aerospace, Defence & Marine

Energy & Power Generation

Food & Drink Technologies

Medical Civil & Rail

NEW APPRENTICES IN 2014

604OF STEM GRADUATES IN 2014

13,930

SGS College has been awar-ded the Investors in Peoplegold standard, joining thetop seven per cent of ac-credited organisations

across the UK which believes inrealising the potential of theirp e o p l e.

SGS College employs more than1,000 people across three maincampuses at Stroud, Filton andWISE, as well as many local com-munity venues, welcoming around15,500 full-time and part-time stu-dents of all ages every year.

There are also centres in thecentre of Bristol, at the West ofEngland School of Art and at theBristol Zoo & Gardens.

Investors in People is the UK’sleading accreditation for businessimprovement through people man-agement, and provides a wealth ofresources for businesses to innov-ate, improve and grow, with a focuson good people making great busi-n e s s.

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors inPeople, said: “We ’d like to con-gratulate SGS College on the goldstandard. Such a high level of ac-creditation is the sign of greatpeople management practice, anddemonstrates a commitment tostaff development and shows anorganisation committed to beingthe very best it can be.

“SGS College should be ex-tremely proud of their achieve-ment.”

Sara-Jane Watkins, vice-prin-cipal and deputy CEO, said: “Iwould like to congratulate all ofthose involved in our Investors inPeople assessment.

“I am delighted that the collegereceived the gold accolade in re-cognition of the support and de-velopment the college gives itsstaf f.”

Gold standard College among thebest in UK for realising potential

CASE STUDY:ALEX EDEN

� Alex Eden, 23, from Yate, startedan apprenticeship in businessadministration in the summer of2013. She completed the course atSGS College and now works withinthe college’s Suited BootedRecruited (SBR) team, whichprovides tailored courses to helppeople get back into employment.

SBR Tutor Louise Slessor said:“Alex was one of my students onthe SBR course and she was adelight to teach. Her motivation andenthusiasm rubbed off on the otherstudents and her witty sense ofhumour made the two-week coursereally fun for all of us.

“When the team decided torecruit an administration apprenticeshe was the first person I thoughtof. I knew she would be a hugeasset to our team and I was notwrong. She builds amazing rapportwith all of our learners and partnersand has become an integralmember of the team.”

Alex, who completed the Level 2qualification in 2014, is nowawaiting certification for completionof the Level 3 businessadministration qualification. She hasalso been promoted fromapprenticeship administrator toapprenticeship coordinator, withmore responsibility and a payi n c re a s e .

Alex said: “I was thrilled when mytwo weeks on the Suited BootedRecruited course turned into afull-time apprenticeship and I havelearned so much over the last twoyears.

“The Level 3 was morechallenging, but the college and mywork friends supported me everystep of the way. I’ve made somegreat friends here at SGS Collegeand I enjoy going to work every day;it makes me feel so accomplishedwhen I get feedback from learnerssaying that the course has reallyincreased their confidence.

“Looking to the future, I am goingto move on to the Level 4 businessadministration qualification, whichwill be equivalent to degree level.”



45 YEARS

OF BRICKLAYIN

G

DISTINCTIO

N

1 Kings Gate, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8ET

07885 282381

Working for major housebuilders such as :Bloor, Persimmon, Bovis, Taylor Wimpey, Charles Church,

Bellway, Linden & Edenstone.

We cover : Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire.

Our aim is to give our apprentices the strongest possible start in the construction industy. Our experienced

tradesmen offer excellent supervision of our apprentices.

DRINKWATERC O N S T R U C T I O NEMPLOYER OF APPRENTICES FOR 30 YEARS

BRISTOL-based Helm Con-struction is reaping thedividends of its in-houseapprenticeship pro-gramme as the UK con-

struction sector struggles to copewith a skills shortage.

Chief executive officer GarySheppard said the industry wouldhave been better placed to copewith the economic recovery if ithad adopted similarly robustlong-term training initiatives.

He said: “We are in the initialstages of the biggest building boomsince the 1970s, but the recessionhas left many firms struggling tofind the highly skilled workforcethey need to deliver on site, ontime. We see the current skillsshortage within the industry ascompletely self-inflicted.”

Construction sector commentat-ors are predicting the biggestboom will be in the South West,with more than 30,000 jobs createdalong with tens of thousands of

new homes. But Helm Construc-tion won’t be caught out, sidestep-ping labour shortages byexpanding its in-house trainingprogramme. The firm, which spe-cialises in new-build homes, com-mercial development and largesingle builds or extensions, isbringing forward its next gener-ation of apprentices rather thanrecruiting from a rapidly con-stricting labour pool or relying ons u b - c o n t r a c t o r s.

Helm Construction has justoffered two new apprenticeships toJames Fox and Lee Nicholls, whileKim Ritchings, Stuart Rawlingsand Scott Reeves have been onCITB training courses to speedtheir progress up through theranks. Site manager Kim said: “Wehave a strong record of bringing onand promoting our apprentices, se-cure in the knowledge they havedone things our way from day one.Scott Reeves worked his way upthrough the ranks to site foreman

after starting as an apprentice dur-ing the recession.

“We took the decision five yearsago to invest in a comprehensiveapprenticeship programme inorder to train the next generationof bricklayers, carpenters and elec-tricians and this is certainly pay-ing dividends now.”

Helm Construction’s highly ac-claimed training programme isbased on aiming all apprentices atthe NVQ 3 grade rather than thestandard NVQ 2. The scheme hasbeen extended to include slightlyolder candidates, giving people asecond chance to gain the correctqualifications for a career in thei n d u s t r y.

The firm’s training programme

is not confined to newcomers to theindustry. Each member of staff inevery department is encouraged tofollow a personal developmentpath and improve their qualific-at i o n s.

Chief Executive Gary Sheppardsaid: “We believe in breaking downthe traditional career progres-sions, ensuring that further train-ing is available for all employeesregardless of background and age.We are aiming to build the skills wehave within the company all atlevels, formalising qualificationsand encouraging employees on tospecially targeted career paths.”� For further information, contactHelm Construction on 01454 634020.

Scheme helpingto maintainbuilding boom

findmorebristolpost.co.uk/jobslocal jobs

LOCAL JOBS

ENGINEERING 44,400

4,678£63,000ENGINEERING BUSINESSES

www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/people-and-skills/infographic-sources

NATIONAL AVERAGE ANNUAL CHARTERED ENGINEER SALARY

A SAMPLE OF APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE:ENGINEERING ADVANCED

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE CRAFT TECHNICIAN

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE (SENIOR TECHNICIAN)

ENGINEERING INTERMEDIATE

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE (OPERATOR & SEMI-SKILLED)

IMPROVING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

RAIL ENGINEERING (TRACK)

INDUSTRY CATEGORIES

High Tech & Electronics

Manufacture & Mechanical

Aerospace, Defence & Marine

Energy & Power Generation

Food & Drink Technologies

Medical Civil & Rail

NEW APPRENTICES IN 2014

604OF STEM GRADUATES IN 2014

13,930

SGS College has been awar-ded the Investors in Peoplegold standard, joining thetop seven per cent of ac-credited organisations

across the UK which believes inrealising the potential of theirp e o p l e.

SGS College employs more than1,000 people across three maincampuses at Stroud, Filton andWISE, as well as many local com-munity venues, welcoming around15,500 full-time and part-time stu-dents of all ages every year.

There are also centres in thecentre of Bristol, at the West ofEngland School of Art and at theBristol Zoo & Gardens.

Investors in People is the UK’sleading accreditation for businessimprovement through people man-agement, and provides a wealth ofresources for businesses to innov-ate, improve and grow, with a focuson good people making great busi-n e s s.

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors inPeople, said: “We ’d like to con-gratulate SGS College on the goldstandard. Such a high level of ac-creditation is the sign of greatpeople management practice, anddemonstrates a commitment tostaff development and shows anorganisation committed to beingthe very best it can be.

“SGS College should be ex-tremely proud of their achieve-ment.”

Sara-Jane Watkins, vice-prin-cipal and deputy CEO, said: “Iwould like to congratulate all ofthose involved in our Investors inPeople assessment.

“I am delighted that the collegereceived the gold accolade in re-cognition of the support and de-velopment the college gives itsstaf f.”

Gold standard College among thebest in UK for realising potential

CASE STUDY:ALEX EDEN

� Alex Eden, 23, from Yate, startedan apprenticeship in businessadministration in the summer of2013. She completed the course atSGS College and now works withinthe college’s Suited BootedRecruited (SBR) team, whichprovides tailored courses to helppeople get back into employment.

SBR Tutor Louise Slessor said:“Alex was one of my students onthe SBR course and she was adelight to teach. Her motivation andenthusiasm rubbed off on the otherstudents and her witty sense ofhumour made the two-week coursereally fun for all of us.

“When the team decided torecruit an administration apprenticeshe was the first person I thoughtof. I knew she would be a hugeasset to our team and I was notwrong. She builds amazing rapportwith all of our learners and partnersand has become an integralmember of the team.”

Alex, who completed the Level 2qualification in 2014, is nowawaiting certification for completionof the Level 3 businessadministration qualification. She hasalso been promoted fromapprenticeship administrator toapprenticeship coordinator, withmore responsibility and a payi n c re a s e .

Alex said: “I was thrilled when mytwo weeks on the Suited BootedRecruited course turned into afull-time apprenticeship and I havelearned so much over the last twoyears.

“The Level 3 was morechallenging, but the college and mywork friends supported me everystep of the way. I’ve made somegreat friends here at SGS Collegeand I enjoy going to work every day;it makes me feel so accomplishedwhen I get feedback from learnerssaying that the course has reallyincreased their confidence.

“Looking to the future, I am goingto move on to the Level 4 businessadministration qualification, whichwill be equivalent to degree level.”


16 THURSDAY APRIL 23 2015 WESTERN DAILY PRESS WDP-E01-S4

Apprentices go furtherwith City of Bristol College

Check out our website for a full list of employer vacanciesor contact our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team on :

0117 312 [email protected] www.cityofbristol.ac.uk

We have over 40 Apprenticeship job vacancies available andwe would love to help you start your career, learn new skills andgain qualifications. Our Apprenticeship recruitment team are

available to help you through:

• Providing careers and courses advice

• Help you apply for job vacancies

• Prepare you for interviews

• Keep you informed about new apprenticeship opportunities

Date post:	21-Jul-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	bgsd-cs
View:	213 times
Download:	0 times

Apprenticeships, Western Daily Press 2015

Documents