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APPRENTICEGREATS200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS

200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS 200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS

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Apprentices are a great way to grow your workforce and harness talent, to ensure the future success of your business.

Our dedicated team will take the pain out of recruitment with a FREE matching service. We will advertise, screen and shortlist candidates before you interview them, making sure they are work ready when they reach you.

grow your

invest in an

To speak to a member of our Apprenticeships Team call 0191 490 2258 or email [email protected]

www.gateshead.ac.uk

businessapprentice

Financial incentives Grants between £1,500 - £2,275 when you recruit an apprentice. Conditions apply.

We’re in the top 10% of apprenticeship providers in the country.

NECC apprenticeship book ad v5.indd 1 24/02/2015 16:19

CONTENTS

200 APPRENTICE GREATS - BUSINESS LEADERS WHO BEGAN LIFE AS APPRENTICES:

04 FOREWORD From NECC president David Laws

06 CONSIDERING BECOMING AN APPRENTICE? Your questions answered

08 BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS How much can an apprentice add to your business?

10 HOW TO EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE Your questions answered

12 SUCCESS STORIES Discover the benefits of apprenticeships for young people and business alike

16 A PIONEER FOR APPRENTICES Meet one of the region’s first-ever apprentices

18 PIONEERS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP With Gateshead College principal and chief executive Judith Doyle

20 LIFE’S BIGGEST MOMENTS With Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive Zoe Lewis

22 FROM SHOP FLOOR TO THE BOARDROOM With NECC head of training operations Andrew Robson

72 NECC200 Celebrating 200 years of North East business

24 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

71 FINANCIAL

67 LEISURE, CULTURE & TOURISM

65 WHOLESALE & RETAIL

60 TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE

57 PUBLIC SECTOR & HEALTHCARE

49 CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY

38 MANUFACTURING

NECC200 PATRONS

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200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS

FO R E W O R D

Being asked to decide what you want to do with your life when you’re still in your teens can seem unrealistic.

The range of jobs and careers is endless, which is why schools, training providers, colleges and universities are working more closely than ever with business to understand the skills needed for tomorrow’s workplace.

Apprenticeships give you a great way to get ahead and start learning those skills now. They give you a real job, with a real wage, a real qualification and a real future.

This publication includes profiles of 200 former apprentices, many of whom have progressed to become influential leaders. Many of them people began an apprenticeship in one subject and are now following a different career path, with some interesting examples such as moving from engineering to hospitality or fire fighting to aviation.

In addition to highlighting some real apprentice greats, this book also illustrates exciting career opportunities in some fantastic North East organisations, demonstrating that you can have a great career right here in the region, beginning with an apprenticeship as your route to future success.

Be inspired. And best wishes for your future career.

A MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE, PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADULT LEARNERS

As a former apprentice, it’s a real pleasure to write the foreword for this publication, published to mark NECC’s bicentenary.

This book celebrates 200 people who began their successful careers as apprentices in the region, demonstrating the success that can be achieved by taking this career route.

I hope this inspires more employers to recognise what can be achieved by apprentices and, in turn, to consider recruiting more of them across the region.

We are nothing without our people, and apprentices are the lifeblood of our businesses and key to our future prosperity. While many of us recognise this, we also need more business leaders to recognise the value apprenticeships bring and embrace them within their recruitment and development programmes.

We face major challenges, not least a shortage of engineering talent. With more than 8,000 of our engineers reaching retirement age now, there is a skills gap requiring new blood to ensure our engineering and manufacturing businesses remain competitive.

We have developed a reputation for world-leading expertise in other sectors too, including finance, digital and energy, and we need to ensure we have succession plans in place to maintain our position.

We are grateful to our sponsors, Gateshead College and Middlesbrough College in supporting us to produce this publication. This is a Who’s Who of former apprentices, to inspire both employers and young people to consider apprenticeships; working together to grow our region’s talent and ensure our businesses are fit for the future.

David LawsNECC president and former apprentice

A MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS

FO R E W O R D

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7 | A P P R E N T I C E B E N E F I TSA P P R E N T I C E B E N E F I TS

CONSIDERING BECOMING AN APPRENTICE? YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

of all former apprentices received a promotion within 12 months of finishing their apprenticeship

People with advanced apprenticeships earn on average more than £100,000 more than other workers over the course of their career** An average apprentice’s wage is £170 per week*

Employers consider qualified apprentices to be 15% more employable than those with other qualifications

32%

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Apprenticeships are work-based programmes which combine practical training with study, enabling you to work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Anyone living in England who is over 16 years old and not in full-time education can apply.*

LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP? Becoming an apprenticeWith more than 22,000 quality apprenticeship vacancies available online at any one time, there has never been a better time to start an apprenticeship. Visit www.apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk to start searching and applying for vacancies now

THE BENEFITS A REAL JOBApprenticeships open doors to some of the region’s best companies. More than 150,000 employers are currently offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations, including the North East. You get a wage rather than worrying about student loans, you receive the appropriate national minimum wage, sometimes more, and all apprentices work for at least 30 hours a week, apart from in exceptional circumstances.Apprenticeships are available at three levels - Intermediate, Advanced, and Higher (degree) - covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles, including accountancy, IT, customer service, catering, dental, engineering and many more.

Sources: *Apprenticeship Pay Survey 2007 **London Economics Vocation Qualifications Research September 2011 ***Funding is available subject to eligibility

APPRENTICESHIPS INCLUDE: SKILLS A competency-based qualification which allows you to demonstrate your ability in the workplace while performing the skill, trade or occupation to which the apprenticeship framework relates.THEORY This is your understanding of the theoretical concepts and knowledge related to your job.TRANSFERABLE SKILLS These are the Maths, English and ICT skills you need in any job.

A REAL QUALIFICATIONAll apprenticeships take 1-4 years to complete, during which you will gain a respected national qualification and valuable workplace skills and experience through structured training. Apprenticeships also count as UCAS points and can provide a route through to university.

A REAL FUTUREThe majority of apprentices (85%) stay in employment after their apprenticeship, two-thirds (64%) with the same employer. A third (32%) of former apprentices receive a promotion within 12 months of finishing, and of those in work, three quarters (75%) take on more responsibility. Employers consider qualified apprentices to be 15% more employable than other workers.


“Earn while you learn in a real job and gain a real qualification”

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Apprentices bring real benefits to businessNearly every employer taking on an apprentice reports benefits to their business

Increased business productivityApprentices receive relevant training, so they have an immediate impact and make a real and meaningful contribution to your business

Employers report improved productivity of £214 per week as a result of employing an apprentice£214

of employers who had taken on an apprentice said their business had benefited 96%

B U S I N E S S B E N E F I TSB U S I N E S S B E N E F I TS

THE BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIPS FOR BUSINESS

of employers report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice 72%

Source: National Apprenticeship Service 2014


Are you an employer wondering how an apprenticeship programme can benefit your business? Read on…

Improved employee satisfaction

of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive

Increased bottom line

80% of businesses feel that apprenticeships reduce staff turnover, leading to a more loyal and committed workforce

The average apprenticeship increases business productivity by enabling the business to deliver increased profits, lower prices, and better products

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

Designed by employers for employers, apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Apprenticeships are available for new and existing employees across a range of sectors including IT, finance, construction, engineering, health, and catering.

Apprenticeships allow employees to develop occupational and personal skills in the working environment and employers report that apprenticeships help them to grow their own talent and develop a motivated, skilled workforce.There are three levels of apprenticeship:Intermediate Level (Level 2)Advanced Level (Level 3)Higher (Level 4 and above)

APPRENTICESHIPS COMPRISE:Vocational qualification (Award, Certificate, Diploma): This reflects the range and depth of competence in skills required for working in your industry.Technical Certificate: A knowledge-based qualification demonstrating underpinning knowledge and understanding of your industry and employment rights and responsibilities.Functional Skills: The core elements of English, Maths and ICT.Personal Learning and Thinking Skills: Six groups of skills which, depending on your industry, may be embedded into the other qualifications in the apprenticeship or assessed as a separate qualification.

“96% of employers say their business benefits after taking on an apprentice”

77%

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CHOOSE A TRAINING PROVIDERContact NECC, Gateshead College, Middlesbrough College or one of the other training providers in the region, or go to www.nas.apprenticeships.org.uk to search for an apprenticeship training organisation by postcode or key word. You can also access advice by filling in the online form provided by The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which can then recommend suitable training providers.

CHECK GRANT AVAILABILITYEmployers who are new to apprenticeships or haven’t enrolled a new recruit or existing employee onto an apprenticeship programme in the previous 12 months may be eligible for the £1,500 AGE grant. Ask your training provider to check for you.

RECRUIT YOUR APPRENTICETo recruit an apprentice (as opposed to putting an existing member of staff on an apprenticeship) it will save significant time if you work with a provider who will source and shortlist candidates for you. Training providers will also advertise your vacancy through The National Apprenticeship Service apprenticeship vacancies site.

TRAIN YOUR APPRENTICEFinally, your training provider will co-ordinate your apprentice’s training, qualification and assessment programme.

E M P LOY I N G A P P R E N T I C ESE M P LOY I N G A P P R E N T I C ES

HOW TO EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

HIRING AN APPRENTICEThere are four steps to taking on an apprentice:

Q WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification.

Q IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?Anyone living in England, aged over 16 and not in full-time education can apply to be an apprentice.

Q WHAT ARE THE COSTS?Training providers receive Government funding which enables them to subsidise the cost of training for most learners.

Q ARE THERE GRANTS AVAILABLE?The £1,500 AGE grant helps employers with fewer than 50 employees to employ an apprentice, subject to eligibility. Your training provider should be able to advise whether you are eligible.

Q HOW LONG DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP LAST?Apprenticeships can last 1 to 4 years, depending on the level of qualification.

Q HOW MANY APPRENTICESHIP TYPES ARE THERE?There are currently more than 250 different types of apprenticeship offering more than 1,400 job roles. All apprenticeships are developed with employers and Sector Skills Councils to ensure they meet the needs of employers. Apprenticeships are also available in business support functions including business administration and finance.


Q WHAT DOES AN APPRENTICE LEARN?Knowledge and competence-based elements, Transferable or Functional Skills, employee rights and responsibilities, learning and thinking skills.

Q HOW MUCH TIME IS OFF THE JOB?A specified amount of learning takes place off the job, within the apprentice’s paid hours, as follows:• Day release (depending on the programme)• At least two hours study time per week• Attendance at exams or for additional support

Q WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?Businesses save time and money on recruitment, training is specific to the job role, and employers report that business productivity increases.

Q WHAT DOES AN APPRENTICE EARN?Employers must pay at least the national minimum wage to apprentices.

Q HOW MANY HOURS DOES AN APPRENTICE WORK?Apprentices must work a minimum of 30 contracted hours per week on Government-supported programmes.

Q ARE THERE ANY HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES TO CONSIDER?It is a requirement for use of Government funding that employers comply with Health & Safety legislation. This is usually co-ordinated by your training provider.

“Brilliant and invaluable - we can’t afford not to have proper succession planning” Neil Schneider, CEOStockton Borough Council


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STORIES OF APPRENTICESHIP

SUCCESSCompanies across a host of sectors in the North East are home to inspiring

stories of apprentices who are making their first career steps. Here are just a few of them

Ferdinand Sequeria, 24, from Gosforth, Newcastle, has recently completed hisCustomer Service Apprenticeship while working at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park.

He says: “I feel really pleased to have completed my Customer Service apprenticeship and I’ve really enjoyed the journey. Thanks to my qualification, I feel that I have added to my experience and I’m grateful for the fantastic level of support I have received from my tutors.

“I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone interested in gaining a great customer service qualification.”

Marriott’s HR training officer Libbi Benson says: “The flexibility that the course has given us has been fantastic. The qualifications have really helped our team with their efficiency, time management and customer service skills.”

Liam McLaughlin, 16, of Stokesley, North Yorkshire, is on a three-year apprenticeship with Labman (Laboratory Automation Custom Robotics) in Seamer, Stokesley, where he works as a robotic engineer.

Liam says: “I wanted to get into engineering, but wasn’t sure which area to focus on. At Labman I can try electrical, robotic, mechanical and design to see what suits me best. I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. It’s great to earn a wage while gaining experience and learning a trade.”

Labman robotic engineer Richard Frank says: “Apprentices get to work on projects from concept to completion and gain experience in every element of the creative process. Labman is committed to apprenticeships. We’re incredibly fortunate to have three dedicated young people who’ll benefit enormously from the variation and experience an apprenticeship provides.”

FERDINAND SEQUERIA LIAM MCLAUGHLIN

Carly Toal, 18 is moving up the career ladder having been appointed assistant marketing account executive at Co Durham creative agency We Are The Works, after completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

She says: “The experience I gained from my apprenticeship ensured I was fully prepared for employment. I was so happy to get a full time job so quickly, starting my new job the day after I finished college.

“Getting hands-on practical experience, while learning gives you a lot of great advantages, confidence, experience and it shows potential employers how capable you are of thriving in a working environment.”

CARLY TOAL


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S U C C E S S STO R I ES

Caterpillar Peterlee, which currently has more than 30 apprentices in roles across the organisation - from fabrication to paint and auto-electrical - is the only site in the world that manufactures Caterpillar trucks, exporting around the globe.

Vickie English, 22, Level 3 Auto Electrician apprentice says: “Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain experience straight away. They are a great start to your career.”

Managing director Phil Handley, who began his career as an apprentice, adds: “At Caterpillar, we operate on a global scale - 95% of what we produce is exported overseas. We need skills, knowledge and energy to compete and apprentices bring that.“

Lewis Ingram, 19, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, is undertaking an apprenticeship as a dental nurse at Chester Road Dental Practice in Sunderland.

Lewis says: “I decided on an apprenticeship as I wanted to earn while learning at the same time. I really enjoy working with the dentists; I learn so much while getting paid for it, which I would not have been able to do if I had gone into higher education.

“My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the practical, hands-on side, and applying all the knowledge I’m building in the practice. I have also really enjoyed learning all about dental anatomy in the classroom, understanding the names of the bones, muscles and nerves.”

VICKIE ENGLISH LEWIS INGRAM

Smart, eager apprentices

There are multiple benefi ts to Labman and the apprentices

We are committed to developing the future workforce

Championing the region since 1815

We’ve had some frustrating experiences with engineers we’ve taken on straight from university, but it’s been quite the opposite with the apprentices we have had from NECC

Jamie Marsay, Senior Manager, Labman Automation Ltd

The diff erence is NECC

NECC - The employers’ choice for apprenticeships. Over 25 apprenticeships available including accountancy, building technician, business administration, IT and engineering. For more information on how you can benefi t from apprenticeships contact us. Tel: 0300 303 6322 Email: [email protected] Web: www.necc.co.uk

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200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS200 OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LEADERS

I N S P I R I N G STO RY I N S P I R I N G STO RY

A PIONEER FOR APPRENTICESLiz Hands meets George Loble, one of the first apprentices in the region

When the young George Loble fled Nazi Germany before the war, he arrived in the UK with just a few clothes and 10 shillings.

As a child in Bamberg, Bavaria, his family was well off, his father and uncle employing 200 people at a factory making outdoor light fittings. The family employed a maid and a nanny, and a chauffeur picked up his father for work each morning.

But with Hitler in power, war imminent and Jews stripped of their rights and money, the family had to flee. The family firm was sold, the Gestapo confiscated the proceeds, and the young George travelled with relatives to London. There, he stayed with a Jewish family until his parents’ visas were supported by a British intelligence officer.

The reason given on the visa for entering the UK was ‘to found a manufacturing plant for electric light fittings and accessories’, and this had to be done within 12 months. Penniless, with limited English and a year to set up a business employing British workers, the family was under pressure, but offered premises on Team Valley Industrial Estate by the British Board of Trade, Loblite Ltd was successfully launched, manufacturing engineering parts for the war effort.

Meanwhile, aged 14, young George applied for an apprenticship at Sigmund Pumps, also on Team Valley. “It was very brave of Mr Sigmund to take on a foreigner whose English was not very good,” says Mr Loble, now 88. “I was German and Britain was at

war with Germany, so I was termed an ‘enemy alien’. I have always been most grateful to Mr Sigmund for giving me an opportunity in life.

“We got the first year off the job for training, which was unusual then. I went to Gateshead Technical College on evening and day release, becoming a graduate engineer. Unusually, I was paid nine shillings for a 48-hour week rather than my parents having to pay for my training.”

One of the last surviving of Gateshead College’s original apprentices, Mr Loble spent 10 years at Sigmund before becoming a mechanical equipment engineer in London. He returned in the 1950s to run the family’s Loblite business, which had returned to its electrical roots, and he remained there until his retirement 20 years ago.

Mr Loble, who went on to become a magistrate and a school governor and was awarded an MBE for charity work in the North East, credits his apprenticeship with setting him up in his career and he took on a new apprentice at his firm every year. He officially opened the Gateshead Skills Academy on Team Valley in 2008 and he has backed the NECC-led 100 Apprentices in 100 Days campaign.

Mr Loble has written a book about his experiences to raise awareness and remembrance of the Holocaust as well as recording the family history for his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. It is available to download at www.theboyfrombamberg.com

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E X P E RT O P I N I O N E X P E RT O P I N I O N

PIONEERS OF THE APPRENTICESHIPJudith Doyle, Gateshead College principal and chief executive, on the importance of apprenticeships for North East business

I feel a great responsibility in ensuring our business community has access to the skilled workforce they need and that we give young people the very best chance of a successful and rewarding career, and if they can achieve that in the North East then that’s even better.

I want to help young people understand the amazing opportunities open to them, to fuel their ambitions and aspirations and encourage them to believe in the art of the possible. It is important that we give sound, robust advice about the different paths they can take to achieve their career goals and to help them see that apprenticeships are as equally attractive as an A Level and degree route into work.

Worryingly, the majority of young people have never been properly advised about the option of an apprenticeship while at school so are not in a position to make an informed decision about their future.

At Gateshead College we continue to invest in our careers service and I think it is critically important that we are able to offer high quality, impartial advice and guidance in helping young

people discover the best education route for them and see them through to a bright, rewarding future. This is supported by lecturers who have good links with employers and have worked in industry, so they can help to equip students with the necessary confidence and skills to get ahead in work.

Apprenticeships provide employers with access to a skilled pool of talent that can give them a commercial edge. I think we will all agree that this has never been more important in an age where businesses are trying to gain market share, not just locally, but in national and international circles too.

At Gateshead College, we pioneered one of the very first apprenticeship schemes with Sigmund Pumps in the 1950s. We now deliver more than 2,000 apprentices a year to more than 450 local employers across a wide range of sectors, including construction, engineering, hospitality, logistics, automotive and hair and beauty.

We are the known first choice for employers looking to embark on training or apprenticeship programmes. Our customers include some of the region’s big-hitters, such as car giant Nissan and logistics specialist Vantec, but we also work with a

range of SMEs that require an injection of skills to take their business forward.

Businesses choose to work with us because we listen to and meet their needs; we understand every employer is different and we become a training partner not just a supplier of training. We get under the skin of what businesses need and we develop bespoke training and apprenticeships. We’ve developed successful apprenticeship programmes that have been delivering successfully for many years, indeed decades. We have an exclusive partnership and longstanding relationship with NECC; something which indicates just how focused we are on delivering an outstanding service for industry.

I am extremely proud that we have achieved a place in the top 10% of apprenticeship providers in England for a third year in a row, with 80% of our 1,421 apprentice learners completing their courses during the 2013-14 academic year – considerably higher than the national average of 70%; this is reflection on the dedication of our staff and our commitment to providing a high quality service to our apprentices and the employers they work for.

Apprenticeships don’t just benefit employers and learners, they have a much wider impact on the region in terms of improving the quality of people’s lives, cutting unemployment and driving economic growth.

And while we are all thankful that unemployment in the region has been falling steadily for several months, we are starkly aware that the North East still has the highest jobless rate in the country, with roughly one in 12 people aged 16-plus out of work.

We know there is no quick fix to this problem but apprenticeships can be a major part of the solution. They allow our young people to earn a wage while gaining key skills that are useful to businesses. They also allow employers to retain vital talent that can make a big difference to their bottom line.

We therefore urge more North East employers to invest in apprenticeships, which are a great way of retaining talent within a business and preventing a potential brain-drain of talent from the region. From our point of view, we will continue to support NECC by working with employers to ensure their workforces are equipped with the skills, qualifications and talent that will drive their businesses forward.

Gateshead College is Nissan’s trusted training partner and has trained more than 1,000

apprentices for the car maker

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LIFE’S BIGGEST MOMENTSZoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, on the importance of investing in young people

Big moments in time. Lives are peppered with them and often it’s only when you look back that you realise their significance.

My first was when I was aged 16. I achieved excellent GCSE results at school, but with no careers advice at all, I seemingly had no option, but to start my A Levels.

However, I started wondering why my older brother and his friends were still out of work in October, having graduated from University that Spring. Why study for so many years, if it didn’t help you get work I asked myself? So, I left College, and got a job in a bank, being determined to study alongside work from the outset.

I still remember how difficult a transition that was for me. Long working days, thinking for myself, dealing with the public; I felt I had entered a whole new world and was completely unprepared.

It is common to hear criticisms of young people being unprepared for work, but I sometimes wonder if our memories are short. Being ‘green around the ears’ when you’re young is normal, and as employers, we often prefer to pay more and have someone do the job without any training, than

invest time and energy in people development. Somehow we need to break this cycle.

Through working, alongside study, I became a qualified accountant by the time my friends were graduating from university, but I had six years’ experience of the world of work to draw upon.

Don’t get me wrong, graduates are incredibly valuable to our economy and we need more of them in key employment areas. But my experience has shaped my thinking and made me determined to create a college that is as closely matched to the world of work and economy as is possible.

A second big moment came a few weeks after I joined Middlesbrough College as a vice principal charged with creating the new College at Middlehaven. A consultant passed me a report detailing what should be included in the new ‘Middle haven College’. It suggested significantly reducing construction and engineering provision and massively expanding service sectors such as hair and catering.

We didn’t agree. So, we set about organising a major expansion programme for our construction and engineering provision.

Middlesbrough College is now the largest provider of City and Guilds engineering training in the country and is expanding into process/oil and gas, logistics, manufacturing, and medical sciences through our new STEM Centre, designed by industry for industry and opening September 2015.

The centre will operate like a working factory and includes shift and time and attendance systems.

Our full-time student numbers have grown by 66% in the last seven years and our apprenticeship numbers have doubled for the second time in 12 months. We have certainly widened the pipeline of skilled young people in key shortage areas over recent years and I am proud of what we have achieved through listening to employers.

However, the UK education system inhibits our ability to do more. Colleges are independent institutions, but they are regulated through the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and largely funded through the Department for Education (DfE). They each pull in different directions; the DfE wanting academic/exam-based rigour and BIS wanting skills development and work-readiness. Until colleges are run, regulated

and funded by one Government department, I fear we will not have a clear strategy for education and skills in the UK.

In addition, Colleges received 20% less funding per student than schools and half of the amount per student of Universities. Everyone is talking about skills and yet, Further Education is the least funded of all of the education sectors.

Finally, I would love to see more incentives for employers to take on young people. When Teesside lost its large industries, we lost the ‘supply chain’ of work based training. Now, young people are expected to be work-ready without any real opportunity to learn ‘on the job’. We have 4,500 full time students in Middlesbrough College and around 800 Apprentices. I would love to see these numbers reversed in five years’ time. Young people and businesses are losing out and for me this is where the Government needs to step in.

Until then, I am proud to play a part in shaping our skills system to meet the needs of employers and our economy. Middlesbrough College is committed to do this, despite the barriers and challenges we face. For UK plc, we don’t have any other choice.

Middlesbrough College

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FROM THE SHOP FLOOR TO THE BOARDROOMAndrew Robson, head of training operations at NECC explores the role apprentices play in North East business

There is something incredibly satisfying about the boardrooms of the North East being filled with senior management who started life on the bottom rung of the ladder.

These leaders of North East industry, who are responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of workers, were once as green and untested as the region’s current crop of apprentices.

It is with pride that these leaders will say, “I started out as an apprentice”, and while I wouldn’t profess to be among this elite, I too started my working life as a welding apprentice.

Apprenticeships provide the keen young workers who will become the future workforce of the region and ensure that new ideas and enthusiasm continuously circulate around businesses.

Following a dip in the late 1980s and 90s, apprenticeships are popular again, bringing back valuable opportunities for young people to earn while they learn.

Accountancy, dental care, CAD design, administration, construction...you name it and the chances are there’s an NECC apprentice doing it.

As well as training the future workforce,

apprenticeships offer a double win, providing companies with a means of training people to fill specific roles, helping the individual and the business to develop together.

The businesses we work with tell us that apprenticeships are an ideal way to recruit and develop skilled workers who can be moulded to meet business needs. Apprenticeships bring considerable value to employers, individuals, and the economy as a whole, and NECC plays an integral role in future-proofing the workforce.

All the people included in this publication earned their stripes on the shop floor. They all walked into work as a young apprentice feeling awkward and raw, but within a few weeks the seed that would see them climb through the ranks had been planted.

It is important that young people in the North East know there are opportunities and that taking that first step on the ladder is always the hardest.

The more businesses which engage with this agenda, the more we will upskill our workforce, which will mean more productivity, more jobs and, in a decade or so, more former apprentices in our boardrooms and directors’ suites.

Sona Singh Coast & Country Housing Ltd

Redcar

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Too few young people are encouraged to enrol on apprenticeships. Higher education can leave candidates lacking practical experience, which is why I’m involved in an Employer Mentoring Programme with Gateshead College to inspire young people to focus on employability skills as well as academic achievements.

”My apprenticeship was invaluable; I couldn’t have progressed with the same momentum if I had chosen higher education or work experience”

A GREAT PLACE TO START

An apprenticeship can provide the springboard to a great career, as the 200 people profiled on the following pages prove

TARA ALLEN Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT)Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: Direct Recruitment Location: Newcastle Website: www.direct-recruit.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Operations DirectorCompany: Baltic Training ServicesLocation: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.baltictraining.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration & Customer Service Current Role: General ManagerCompany: Berendsen Uk LtdLocation: Durham Website: www.berendsen.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Quality Assurance and IT Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd Location: Gateshead Website: www.aspirets.com

Apprenticeship: Electrical Installation & Maintenance Current Role: Engineering & Maintenance ManagerCompany: Biffa PolymersLocation: Redcar Website: www.biffa.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineer Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: Nortech GroupLocation: BillinghamWebsite: www.nortech-solutions.co.uk

LOUISE BALL

DAWN BEANEY MARTIN BRASS BRYAN BUNNNIGEL BEGG


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Apprenticeship: Management Current Role: Operations Manager Company: UtilitywiseLocation: Newcastle Website: www.utilitywise.com

Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: UKI Country Contractor Channel Lead Company: IBMLocation: Leeds Website: www.ibm.com

Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: DirectorCompany: Design on Demand LtdLocation: Newcastle Website: www.designondemand.co.uk

Apprenticeship: HGV/PSV Fitter Current Role: Business Development DirectorCompany: Heathline Commercials LimitedLocation: Cramlington Website: www.truckservice.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Care Current Role: Deputy Chief Executive Company: ONE Awards Location: Peterlee Website: www.oneawards.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Print Originator Current Role: Sales DirectorCompany: Acorn Web Offset Limited Location: Normanton Website: www.acornweb.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: DirectorCompany: Communicators Training Associates LtdLocation: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.communicatorsltd.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: DirectorCompany: Executype PA LimitedLocation: Wallsend Website: www.executypepa.com

CHRIS CHARLTON

SUSAN BURLISON

DARREN CLOUGH

GAVIN CAPE

ISOBEL CURRIE

CAROL CHARLTON

LINDEN COOK

MATT CARRY

Businesses might view it as an overhead, but apprentices can be well worth the investment and add considerable value. While the employer needs to provide structure and support for apprenticeships, they are rewarded with loyal, skilled and proactive employees who provide long-term value.

”You get out of it what you put in, so if businesses make it work and get quality candidates, it’s a fantastically rewarding programme”

LEISA DOCHERTY Apprenticeship: Business AdministrationCurrent Role: Chief People Officer Company: SageLocation: Newcastle Website: www.sage.co.uk

I chose my apprenticeship because it offered a combination of qualifications and the chance to put what I was learning into practice.

My apprenticeship with a small publishing company was an excellent starting point to move into management. It sparked a love of lifelong learning and I went on to complete an HND in Business, Prince 2 Project Management, Contemporary Trade Unionism and Chartered Management Institute level 5 in Management, to name a few.

”Apprenticeships are an effective way for young people to earn while learning and one of the best routes for employers to nurture and retain talent”

BETH FARHAT Apprenticeship: Business AdministrationCurrent Role: Regional Secretary Company: Trade Union CongressLocation: Newcastle Website: www.tuc.org.uk

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Apprenticeship: Hairdressing Current Role: Operations Manager Company: Shape TrainingLocation: Middlesbrough Website: www.shapetraining.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: International Trade Manager Company: NECCLocation: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Financial ControllerCompany: Your Energy Advisor Ltd Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.yourenergyadvisor.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration & Management Current Role: Resource ManagerCompany: Osborne Training Services Location: Cramlington Website: www.osbornetrainingservices.com

JULIA EVANS

BRIAN DAKERS HAYLEY DUNNMICHELLE DAVIES

Apprenticeship: Fitter Current Role: Regional Manager Operations Asia PacificCompany: PII Pipeline Solutions Location: Cramlington Website: www.geoilandgas.com

Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: Operations Manager Company: MRC Transmark Limited Location: Seaham Website: www.transmark-fcx.com

DAVE FENWICK MARK GALE

Apprenticeship: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: Blaydon Communications Limited Location: Blaydon Website: www.blaydoncomms.co.uk

PAUL DOUGHERTY

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Senior Account Manager Company: NECCLocation: NewcastleWebsite: www.necc.co.uk

LYNSEY FAIRLESS

I chose an accounting apprenticeship to learn about business first hand and go into work rather than studying business from a book. I got on-the-job training and received academic qualifications at the same time.

”Apprenticeships are a fantastic route for young people to learn and mature while earning. The years of experience you gain, as well as the qualifications, put you way ahead of graduates”

CRAIG HART Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Management Accountant - winner of the Employee of the Year Award at the NE Accountancy Awards Company: Aspire Technology Solutions LimitedLocation: Gateshead Website: www.aspirets.com

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Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Director Company: HoultsLocation: Newcastle Website: www.houltsyard.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Quantity Surveyor Current Role: Director Company: Henning Project ManagementLocation: Newcastle Website: www.henningpm.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Fitter Current Role: DirectorCompany: Returnable Packaging Solutions Ltd and Outpace Ltd Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.rpsltd.com www.outpace.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Current Role: DirectorCompany: HLA Services Ltd Location: Boldon Website: www.hlaservices.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Welding & Fabrication Current Role: Managing Director Company: Global Manufacturing Supplies Location: Prudhoe Website: www.gms-uk.com

Apprenticeship: Electrical Current Role: Electrical Projects ManagerCompany: Henry Williams Ltd Location: Darlington Website: www.hwilliams.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Laboratory Technician Current Role: CEO Company: NEPICLocation: Sunderland Website: www.nepic.co.uk

FRED HOULT

MICHAEL HENNING

TIM HUTCHINSON

NEIL HENRY

DR STAN HIGGINS OWEN INGRAM

ALAN HERRON

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Regional ManagerCompany: NECCLocation: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

KELLY GASTON

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Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Chief Technology Officer, Sage UK and Ireland Company: Sage Group PLCLocation: Gosforth Website: www.sage.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business & Finance Current Role: Owner Company: AmmarM (UK) Limited Location: Newcastle Website: www.ammarm.com

Apprenticeship: Information Technology Current Role: Divisional DirectorCompany: Brewin Dolphin Location: Newcastle Website: www.brewin.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Current Role: Managing Director Company: A W M Alarms Ltd Location: Sunderland Website: www.awm-alarms.com

Apprenticeship: Retail Current Role: Head of NECC Presidents Club Company: NECC Location: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Management Current Role: Operations ManagerCompany: Utilitywise Location: Newcastle Website: www.utilitywise.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Managing Director Company: KF TrainingLocation: Peterlee Website: www.kftraining.co.uk

STUART LYNN AMMAR MIRZA CBE

STEVEN KEPPIE

PHILL MOORE

KELLY LEE

ALAN MOODY

EAMONN LEAVEY

Apprenticeship: General Engineering Current Role: General Manager Company: Johnsons ApparelmasterLocation: Gateshead Website: www.jsg.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Director Company: Kelburn Recruitment LtdLocation: Newcastle Website: www.kelburn.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Head of Quality Company: NECC Location: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration/Office Junior Current Role: Performance Director Company: KF Training Location: Peterlee Website: www.kftraining.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Instrument Artificer Current Role: Executive Chairman Company: Phusion IM Ltd Location: Billingham Website: www.phusionim.com

Apprenticeship: Shipbuilding Draughtsman Current Role: Director Company: Nortech Group Location: Billingham Website: www.nortech-solutions.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Fitter/Turner Current Role: Service ManagerCompany: Mastercopy Location: Thornaby Website: www.mastercopy.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Management Accountant Company: The Workcast Corporation LimitedLocation: Durham Website: www.workcast.com

DEREK OVERTON

SANDRA NORMAN

KELLY PATTISON

SARA O’BRIEN

MARTIN PLEWS

KIM OLIVER

STEVE PEARSON

WILLIAM O’NEIL

Apprenticeship: Printer Current Role: PrincipalCompany: One Cool Planet Location: Middlesbrough Website: n/a

PAUL JACKSON

I wanted to gain a qualification without having to wait until after college and university, and the AAT accounting technician apprenticeship was a relatively new way of getting into the profession.

Apprentices need to be punctual, work hard, listen, and not be afraid to ask questions. Have the confidence to have an opinion - you may be able to suggest improvements.

”Further education isn’t for everyone, and an apprenticeship is a great way to gain training and experience in the workplace, which is just as important”

ANDREW ROWE Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Director Company: Evolution Business and Tax Advisors LLP Location: Wynyard Website: www.evolutionllp.com

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Apprenticeship: Information Technology Current Role: Admin Manager Company: Brewin DolphinLocation: Newcastle Website: www.brewin.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Laboratory Technician Current Role: Managing Director Company: North East Press Location: Sunderland Website: www.sunderlandecho.com

Apprenticeship: Welder / Fabricator Current Role: Head of Training Company: NECC Location: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Marine Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: MetroMail Ltd Location: SeahamWebsite: wwww.metromail.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Ship’s Draughtsman Current Role: Senior Project Manager Company: Nortech Group Location: Billingham Website: www.nortech-solutions.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: Gem Premium People Recruitment Location: Newcastle Website: www.gempartnership.com

Apprenticeship: Travel Agent Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: Norseman Travel Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.norsemantravel.com

Apprenticeship: Laboratory Technician Current Role: Technical Director Company: Pattinson Scientific Services Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.pattinsonscientific.com

CHRISTOPHER ROBSON

STEPHEN PLEWS

ANDREW ROBSON

ALAN PURVIS

ALASTAIR RUFFMAN

KARL REID

PETER ROSSI

LEE RANKIN

My apprenticeship proved invaluable and helped me to get where I am today. In today’s jobs market there is huge emphasis on experience and skills. Make the most of opportunities which allow you to gain skills and experience, whether through an apprenticeship or work experience.

”Organisations employing apprentices benefit from increased productivity, investment in skills, and a dedicated workforce. Individuals benefit from training and learning in a professional environment with the security of a job and a career head start”

DAVE RUDDY Apprenticeship: Laboratory Technician Current Role: Managing Director Company: Biochemica UK Ltd Location: Billingham Website: www.biochemica.co.uk

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Apprenticeship: Accountancy Current Role: Territory Manager Company: Country Landowners Association Location: Hexham Website: www.cla.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Electronic Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: Consultive Solutions Ltd Location: Chester-le-StreetWebsite: www.consultivesolutions.co.uk

Apprenticeship: IT & Computing Current Role: Quality Assurance Manager Company: RIBA Enterprises Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.ribaenterprises.com

Apprenticeship: Thermal Insulation Engineer Current Role: Managing Director Company: Advanced Industrial Solutions Ltd Location: North Shields Website: www.aisgroup.co.uk

MARK SCANDLE DEREK SCOTT PAUL STONEBANKSPHIL SCOTT

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Partner – Corporate Finance Company: Ryecroft GlentonLocation: Newcastle Website: www.ryecroft-glenton.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Draughtsman Current Role: Managing Director Company: Stapleton International Location: Singapore Website: www.stapletonint.com

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Regional Manager - Skills Development Company: NECC Location: Durham Website: www.necc.co.uk

CARL SWANSBURY DR MICK THURLBECK AMANDA VANEK


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Apprenticeship: Quality Engineering Current Role: Supplier Quality Specialist Company: 3M United Kingdom Location: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.3M.com

Apprenticeship: Process Apprentice Current Role: Engineering Manager Company: Quorn Foods Location: StokesleyWebsite: www.quorn.com

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Vice President Global EMS Company: Electrolux Location: Stockholm Website: www.electrolux.com

Apprenticeship: Shipbuilder Current Role: Director Company: Induction Pipe Bending UK Ltd Location: Washington Website: www.inductionbending.co.uk

STUART BAINBRIDGE CHRIS BEHRENS JIM CAIRNSGARETH BERRY

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KEVIN FITZPATRICK Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Technician Current Role: Vice President UK Manufacturing Operations Company: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd Location: WashingtonWebsite: www.nissan-europe.com


“My apprenticeship was the best route for me to learn practical skills and earn academic qualifications.It gave me practical knowledge, vocational skills, qualifications and the life skills necessary for management”

Port of Tyne is the UK’s number one vehicle port for exports and the seventh largest vehicle handling port in Europe

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Apprenticeship: Electronic/Electrical Current Role: Head of Remediation and Technical Advisor Company: Sanofi Location: Newcastle Website: www.sanofi.com

Apprenticeship: Motor Mechanic Current Role: Production Director Company: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd Location: WashingtonWebsite: www.nissan-europe.com

Apprenticeship: Articled Clerkship (Accountancy) Current Role: Chairman Company: Ford Aerospace & Ford Component Manufacturing Location: South Shields Website: www.ford-aerospace.com

Apprenticeship: Engraver Current Role: Sales Director Company: Astley Location: Gateshead Website: www.astley-uk.com

MIKE DELROY ANDY DRAKE DAVID FORRESTORGEOFF FORD

Apprenticeship: Mechanic Current Role: Quality Assurance Director Company: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK LtdLocation: Washington Website: www.nissan-europe.com

Apprenticeship: Instrument Electrical Current Role: Site Director Company: Huntsman Pigments Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.huntsman.com

Apprenticeship: Toolmaker Current Role: Director - Plant Operations Company: Unipres UK Ltd Location: Sunderland Website: www.unipres.co.jp/english

ADRIAN CHARLTON GARY CONROY JOHN CRUDDACE



An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to transition from school into work.

My course gave me skills and knowledge that I could transfer and taught me a structured approach to tackling different problems. It also set me up for lifelong learning. During my career I changed disciplines and completed an HNC in Electrical Electronic Engineering, a business diploma with Nene University and an MBA with Durham University. I also gained qualifications in HR while living in the US.

PHIL HANDLEY Apprenticeship: Mechanical EngineeringCurrent Role: Managing Director Company: Caterpillar Peterlee Location: Peterlee Website: www.cat.com

“Never think you know everything - every day brings an opportunity to learn. Life is a marathon not a sprint, so don’t expect to be at the top of the tree from the start; take your time and gather experience”

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: TME Hydraulics Location: Ryton Website: www.tmehydraulics.com

JEROME DARDILLAC

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Apprenticeship: Valve Technician Current Role: Managing Director Company: Evolution Valves Ltd Location: Stockton Website: www.evolutionvalves.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrician Current Role: Managing Director Company: Hepple Engineering Location: NewcastleWebsite: www.hepple-engineering.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrician Current Role: Managing Director Company: Avoca Consulting Engineers Ltd Location: Durham Website: www.avoca-ce.com

STEVEN HEAP ALAN HEPPLE MARK HOOPER

Apprenticeship: Welding Current Role: Operations Director Company: SSI UK Location: Redcar Website: www.ssi-steel.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Plater/Technical Engineer Current Role: Managing Director Company: Unipres UK Ltd Location: Sunderland Website: www.unipres.co.jp/english

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Group Financial ControllerCompany: Green North East Group Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.impetuswastemanagement.com

STEVE FRANCE TONY GREENGARY GRAHAM



I was academic and left school with great results. I didn’t want those to go to waste, but I also didn’t want to sit in a classroom for another three years. My apprenticeship allowed me to skip to the good part - into a work environment while learning.

”Never give up on what you want to achieve. When I decided to become an engineering apprentice at 17, some people said that, as a girl, I would never make it. But just as many people, if not more, were positive and supported me in realising my potential”

AMY LYONS Apprenticeship: Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Applications Engineer – Test & Measurement Division Company: Seaward Group Location: Peterlee Website: www.seaward.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: General Manager Company: Romec Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.romec.com

KEVIN FOWLES

Apprenticeship: Chemical Analyst Current Role: Head of R&D Operations Company: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Ltd Location: Billingham Website: www.fujifilmdiosynth.com

JOHN HINTON

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Apprenticeship: Plater Current Role: Section Manager Company: Caterpillar Peterlee Location: Peterlee Website: www.cat.com

Apprenticeship: Electrical Fitter Current Role: Managing Director Company: Carroll and Meynell Transformers Ltd Location: Stockton on TeesWebsite: www.carroll-meynell.com

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Fitter Current Role: Managing Director Company: Ecco Finishing Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.eccofinishingsupplies.com

DERRICK MERRINGTON MIKE MEYNELL KEITH MILLER

Apprenticeship: Multi-skilled Maintenance Technician Current Role: Assembly Plants & Maintenance Manager Company: Gestamp Tallent Ltd Location: Newton AycliffeWeb: www.tallent.thyssenkrupp.com

Apprenticeship: Patternmaking Current Role: Engineering & Contracts Manager Company: IK-UK Limited Location: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.ik-worldwide.com

Apprenticeship: Fabrication & Welding Current Role: Managing Director Company: Darchem Engineering Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.esterline.com

CHRISTOPHER LAWSON

BILLY MEIJER

PETER MAHONEY



MIKE MATTHEWS MBE Apprenticeship: Toolmaker - Mechanical Engineering Current Role: European Operations Officer Nifco Europe and Managing Director Nifco UK Company: Nifco UK Limited / Nifco Europe Location: Eaglescliffe Stockton Website: www.nifcoeu.com

“Young people looking into apprenticeships should think about the sector and its potential longevity. Think about the location as travel is expensive and time-consuming, the quality of training, and most of all, remember the best companies usually take those with the best grades”

Apprenticeship: Mechanical & Electrical Current Role: CEO Company: BEL Valves Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.belvalves.com

PETER IVEY

Apprenticeship: Fitter & Turner Current Role: Head of Operations Europe Company: Draeger Safety UK Ltd Location: Blyth Website: www.draeger.com

MALCOLM IRVING


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Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: Deputy General Manager Company: Cochran Ltd Location: Annan Website: www.cochran.co.uk

ALLAN SHAW

Apprenticeship: Polymer Apprentice Current Role: Director of Operations Company: NIFCO Location: Eaglescliffe Website: www.nifcoeu.com

Apprenticeship: Draughtsman Current Role: Managing Director Company: Altec Engineering Ltd Location: Durham Website: www.alteceng.co.uk

DAVID STEELJOHN SHORT

Apprenticeship: Toolmaker Current Role: New Projects/Process Introduction Manager Company: Gestamp Tallent Ltd Location: Newton AycliffeWebsite: www.tallent.thyssenkrupp.com/

DAVID SHERWOOD

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Head of Performance and Technical Services Company: Sanofi Location: NewcastleWebsite: www.sanofi.com

IAN TEGGERT

Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: Group Managing Director Company: Cochran Ltd Location: AnnanWebsite: www.cochran.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Technician Current Role: Manufacturing Director Company: Husqvarna UK Ltd Location: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.husqvarna.com

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Director Company: Cramlington Precision Forge Ltd Location: Cramlington Website: www.cpfl-tvs.com

TOM RITCHIE

STEVE ROSE

CARALINE ROBINSON

Words of wisdom...

”You get out of it what you put in, so if businesses make it work and get quality candidates, it’s a fantastically rewarding programme”

Leisa Docherty, Chief People Officer Sage

One in three UK-built cars are made at Nissan in Washington

Apprenticeship: Maintenance Electrician Current Role: Engineering Director Company: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd Location: Washington Website: www.nissan-europe.com

KEVIN O’NEIL

Apprenticeship: Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Workshop Manager Company: Tomlinson Hall & Co. Ltd Location: Billingham Website: www.tomlinson-hall.co.uk

MICHAEL O’HARE


Rather than going into sixth form I wanted to get into work and gain real experience. My apprenticeship gave me the chance to develop skills and experience while earning some money. I was lucky to get an excellent work placement to complete my apprenticeship and then progress in the organisation.

MAUREEN JAMIESON Apprenticeship: Information Technology Current Role: Finance Director Company: CMR (UK) Limited Location: Wallsend Website: www.cmr-group.com

“Think carefully about what you want and don’t feel you need to stay in further education. Look at the wide range of quality apprenticeships on offer and go down the route that suits you best”

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Apprenticeship: Scaffolder Current Role: Health & Safety Director Company: Home Group Location: Gosforth Website: www.homegroup.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Financial Controller Company: Ryder Architecture Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.ryderarchitecture.com

Apprenticeship: Housing Management Current Role: Deputy Chief Executive Company: Gentoo Group Location: Sunderland Website: www.gentoogroup.com

Apprenticeship: Blacksmith Current Role: Manufacturing Cell Leader, Subsea Systems Company: GE Oil & Gas Uk Ltd Location: NewcastleWebsite: www.ge.com/oilandgas

Apprenticeship: Engineer Current Role: Managing Director Company: Esh Construction Location: Durham Website: www.esh.uk.com

Apprenticeship: Sheetmetal Worker Current Role: Radan Manager Company: CA Group Ltd Location: Bishop Auckland Website: www.cagroupltd.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Director Company: Durable Technologies Ltd Location: Hartlepool Website: www.durabletechnologies.com

WAYNE COLE

STEWART BEEDLE

JOHN CRAGGS

TONY BRAIN LORRAINE CARTER

JOHN DAVIES

ALAN BROWN

I joined Gus Robinson Developments as an office assistant while studying one day a week at Hartlepool College. I was encouraged to turn my job into a career and my role covered roles including promotions executive, PA to the MD, and accounts manager. I became company accountant and then finance director. I was also made a company director in 2014. All this stems from my apprenticeship.

“A good apprenticeship

can be the start to

progressing through

the ranks. It’s a

real investment

by your company in

your future”

JEANETTE HENDERSON Apprenticeship: Office Administration Current Role: Financial Director Company: Gus Robinson Developments Ltd Location: Hartlepool Website: www.gusrobinson.com

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A P P R E N T I C E G R E ATS: C O N S T R U C T I O N & P R O P E RT Y

Apprenticeship: Bricklayer Current Role: Head of Maintenance Operations Company: Coast and Country Housing Location: Redcar Website: www.cch-online.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Carpentry & Joinery Current Role: Divisional Director Company: Interserve Construction Limited Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.Interserve.com

Apprenticeship: Engineering Craftsmanship Current Role: Managing Director Company: Zero Carbon Futures Location: Sunderland Website: www.zerocarbonfutures.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Head of Bids & Partnerships Company: Home Group Location: GosforthWebsite: www.homegroup.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Technician Current Role: Business Development Manager - HPI for UK and Ireland Company: Promat UK Ltd Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.promat.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Manufacturing & Electronics Current Role: Director of Procurement Company: Home Group Location: Gosforth Website: www.homegroup.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Carpentry & Joinery Current Role: Managing Director Community ServicesCompany: Carillion Services Ltd Location: Gosforth Website: www.carillionplc.com

Apprenticeship: RetailCurrent Role: Director Company: Cable Industrial Ltd Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.cableindustrial.co.uk

STEVE HEALEY

DAVID FLEWKER

DR COLIN HERRON

JOANNE GORDON

ROBERT HOLT

CRAIG HATTON

LINDA HOBBS

TONY GREEN

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My apprenticeship gave me the chance to work on sites across the North East from day one, and this, alongside day release at college, gave me a great understanding of the construction industry.

“Today, Esh Group

has around 80

apprentices across

the business, from

construction trades

to administration

and finance. These

apprentices are

essential to future-

proofing the business”

BRIAN MANNING Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering Technician Current Role: Group Chief Executive Company: Esh Group Location: Durham Website: www.esh.uk.com

Apprenticeship: Administration & Business; Architectural Technician Current Role: Planning Director Company: Lugano Developments Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www.luganogroup.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Carpentry & Joinery Current Role: Production Director Company: Story Homes Location: Carlisle Website: www.storyhomes.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Draughtsman Current Role: Estimating Manager Company: European Roofing Systems Ltd Location: Newton AycliffeWebsite: www.europeanroofing.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Procurement Current Role: Managing Director Company: Environmental Construction Solutions Ltd Location: CramlingtonWebsite: www.ecs-sales.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Current Role: Managing Director Company: OPUS Building Services Location: Boldon Website: www.opusbuildingservices.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Brickwork Current Role: Director of Operations Company: Derwentside Homes Location: Stanley Website: www.derwentsidehomes.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Installation Current Role: Managing DirectorCompany: Revolution Power Location: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.revolutionpower.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Director of Customer Experience Company: Home Group Location: Gosforth Website: www.homegroup.org.uk

SCOTT MUNRO

FRANK LINCOLN

LIAM MURRAY

PAUL MASON

WAYNE RICHARDSON

DONNA MIDDLETON

GAVIN RICHARDSON

STEPHEN MELVIN

“Apprenticeships are

a vital part of growing

our business.

My management

apprenticeship offered

a lot of flexibility and

was a fantastic start

to understanding

the workings of a big

council. I made some

lifelong connections

through it”

ALISON THAIN OBE Apprenticeship: ManagementCurrent Role: Group Chief Executive Company: Thirteen Group Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.thirteengroup.co.uk

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Apprenticeship: Slater/Tiler Current Role: Managing Director Company: Hodgson Sayers Ltd Location: Stanley Website: www.hodgson-sayers.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Plumbing & Mechanical Engineering Current Role: Neighbourhood Manager Company: Thirteen Group Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.thirteengroup.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Plumbing Heating Engineer Current Role: Managing Director Company: EHL UK Building Maintenance & Facilities Services Location: Newton AycliffeWebsite: www.ehluk.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Current Role: Electrical Manager/Electrician Company: Switch!Electrics Location: MiddlesbroughWebsite: (See Facebook)

Apprenticeship: Building Technician Current Role: Technical Director Company: Story Homes Location: Carlisle Website: www.storyhomes.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Quantity Surveyor Current Role: Regional Managing Director - North East Company: Esh Group Location: Durham Website: www.esh.uk.com

Apprenticeship: Clerical Assistant Current Role: Head of Communications & Campaigns Company: Thirteen Group Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.thirteengroup.co.uk

JOHN SAYERS BRIAN TRODDENGARY STAINSBY

GARY WAKE MICHELLE WRIGHT

IAN STOREY

STEPHEN WILKIE


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Apprenticeships offer people of all ages the opportunity to realise their aspirations, improve their prospects and discover exciting careers Companies like Gentoo are aiming to provide a talented new workforce which will continue to contribute to the economy for years to come.

“My apprenticeship

put me on the road

to becoming the

leader I am today.

Being able to put into

practice immediately

what I learned in the

classroom was a

real benefit”

PETER WALLS Apprenticeship: Housing Manager Current Role: Chief Executive Company: Gentoo Group Location: Sunderland Website: www.gentoogroup.com


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Apprenticeship: Horse Care Current Role: Principal & Chief Executive Company: Northumberland College Location: Ashington Website: www.northumberland.ac.uk

Apprenticeship: ICT Current Role: National Head of Skills Performance Company: Ingeus Location: GatesheadWebsite: www.ingeus.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Accoutancy (AAT) Current Role: Finance Officer Company: Unity City Academy Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.unityacademy.org.uk

MARCUS CLINTON

MANDY CORBITT HELEN DAO

Words of wisdom...

“Seize every opportunity and continue to aim to do something beyond what you have already mastered” Louise Ball, operations director Baltic Training Services

Apprenticeship: Dental NursingCurrent Role: Practice ManagerCompany: Bennison’s Dental Practice Location: Durham Website: www.bennisonsdental.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Dental Nursing Current Role: Dual Site Practice Manager Company: Oasis Dental Care Location: North ShieldsWebsite: www.oasis-healthcare.com

Apprenticeship: Dental Nursing Current Role: Practice Manager Company: The Cosmetic Dental Clinic Ltd Location: Newcastle Website: www thecosmeticdentalclinic.com

LAURA BEAN DANIELLE BROWN LOREN CHARLTON


Apprenticeship: Dental Nursing Current Role: Practice ManagerCompany: IDH Location: Jarrow Website: www.idh.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Dental Nursing Current Role: Practice Co-ordinator Company: Melita Dental Practice Location: Whitley Bay Website: www.melita-dental.co.uk

KIRSTY ROBSON

BEVERLEY REED

Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital will be the first purpose-built hospital of its kind in the country

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Apprenticeship: Housing Management Current Role: Chief Executive Company: Stockton On Tees Borough Council Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.stockton.gov.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: FacIlities Manager Company: Actes Trust Location: MiddlesbroughWebsite: www.acklam-green-centre.com

Apprenticeship: Dental Nursing Current Role: GPT and Clinical Coordinator Company: Health Education North East Location: Durham Website: www.ne.hee.nhs.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrician Current Role: Deputy Director of Support Services Company: North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.nth.nhs.uk

NEIL SCHNEIDER DONNA SMITH

PETER MITCHELL

SAMANTHA MCQUILLIN

Apprenticeship: Ships Draughtsman Current Role: Director of External Funding Company: South Tyneside College Location: South Tyneside Website: www.stc.ac.uk

Apprenticeship: Shipwright Current Role: Leader of the Council Company: Sunderland City Council Location: Sunderland Website: www.sunderland.gov.uk

COUN PAUL WATSON

LEN STULE

Words of wisdom...

“A career is a long time and although the pressure is there to make money now, finding what is right for you is more rewarding and the financial rewards will follow” Derek Scott, MD Consultative Solutions Ltd

A P P R E N T I C E G R E ATS: P U B L I C S EC TO R & H E A LT H C A R E

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Finance & HR Manager Company: North Shore Academy Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.northshoreacademy.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Customer Service Current Role: Operation Manager Company: learndirect Location: Darlington Website: www.learndirect.com

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Current Role: Operations Manager Company: Ingeus Location: Gateshead Website: www.ingeus.co.uk

JEN HILL KATRINA MCGURRANALLYSON DONOHOE

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A P P R E N T I C E P RO F I L E : T R A N S P O RT & I N F R A S T R U C T U R E


I was set on joining the Army as an Aircraft Technician. Then Metro apprenticeship testing came up and I was offered one of just three apprenticeships - I couldn’t say no.

When times are hard, many companies don’t want apprentices. Then, when the economy picks up, they struggle to find the skills they need at a cost they are willing to pay. Skills gaps are widening as skilled people near retirement. The only way to close the gaps is through succession management, and apprenticeships have a key role to play.

“I started as an

apprentice fitter and

now manage projects

worth £40m a year”

NEIL BLAGBURN Apprenticeship: Fitter (Traction) Current Role: Head of Renewals Company: Nexus Location: Newcastle Website: www.nexus.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Management Current Role: Managing Director, Bulks and Port Services Company: PD Ports Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.pdports.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: Company Maintenance Manager Company: Northumbrian Water Location: Durham Website: www.nwl.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Electrical Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: Go North East Location: GatesheadWebsite: www.simplygo.com

Apprenticeship: Mining Current Role: Corporate Manager Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Company: Nexus Location: Newcastle Website: www.nexus.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Management Accountant Company: Univar Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.univar.com

JERRY HOPKINSON

RAY BALDWIN KEVIN CARR DAN HARDESTYJAMES CLEGG

Words of wisdom...

“Structured training and skill development in a safe environment is priceless. Seize the opportunity with both hands and show your employer you mean business. A can-do attitude will get you ahead of the pack, so put your hand up for extra work or responsibilities” Lee Rankin, MD, GEM Partnership Ltd

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I chose my apprenticeship to get started on the aviation career path. It was the start of an exciting journey which has led to being chief executive of Newcastle International Airport.

“We are nothing

without our people,

and apprentices are

the lifeblood of our

business and key to our

future prosperity. We

need more business

leaders to value

apprenticeships”

DAVID LAWS Apprenticeship: Firefighter Current Role: Chief Executive Company: Newcastle International Airport Location: Newcastle Website: www.newcastleairport.com

A P P R E N T I C E G R E ATS: T R A N S P O R T & I N F R A S T R U C T U R E


Apprenticeship: Journalist Current Role: Director of Corporate Affairs Company: Port of Tyne Location: South Shields Website: www.portoftyne.co.uk

SUSAN WEAR

Apprenticeship: Electrical & Mechanical Current Role: Chief Executive Officer Company: Gatwick Airport Location: London Website: www.gatwickairport.com

STEWART WINGATE

Apprenticeship: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Current Role: Director of Rail and Infrastructure Company: Nexus Location: Newcastle Website: www.nexus.org.uk

Apprenticeship: Deck Officer in Merchant navy (Cadetship) Current Role: Harbour Master Company: Port of Tyne Location: South Shields Website: www.portoftyne.co.uk

RAYMOND JOHNSTONE MIKE NICHOLSON

Newcastle International Airport serves more than 4m passengers annually

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Apprenticeship: Bakery OperationsCurrent Role: Bakery Operations Manager Company: Greggs Location: Longbenton Website: www.greggs.co.uk

JAMES CARROLL

Apprenticeship: Electrician Current Role: Centre Manager Company: Hillstreet Shopping Centre Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.hillstreetshopping.co.uk

PETER DRABBLE

Apprenticeship: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Current Role: Managing Director Company: Teesside Industrial Controls Ltd Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.tic-direct.com

Apprenticeship: Technician Current Role: CMA Aftersales Manager Company: Benfield Motor Group Location: Newcastle Website: www.benfieldcorporatemotoring.com

PETER ATKINSON SIMON BARWICK

Apprenticeship: Toolmaker Current Role: Managing Director Company: Oberlin Filter Ltd Location: Newton Aycliffe Website: www.oberlinfilter.com

ALISTAIR JAMESON

Words of wisdom...

“Don’t blindly follow what everyone else thinks is right. Consider what is right for you to get the career you want, and then commit to it”

Malcolm Massey, owner, TaxAssist Accountants

I dropped out of sixth form because I wanted to work and I secured a traineeship with Northumbrian Water. It allowed me to gain diverse experience, working my way up to management roles in operations, leisure, organisation development, marketing and communications, distribution, and customer service. I also studied for an Honors Degree in Business and a Masters in Leadership.

“Investment in

apprenticeships makes

a positive difference

to the economy and

employability. They are

platforms on which to

build careers ”

CLAIRE SHARP Apprenticeship: Distribution Technician Current Role: Customer Director Company: Northumbrian Water Location: Durham Website: www.nwl.co.uk

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Apprenticeship: Bakery Operations Current Role: Bakery Operations Manager Company: Greggs Location: Longbenton Website: www.greggs.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Bakery Operations Current Role: Senior Bakery Operations Manager Company: Greggs Location: Longbenton Website: www.greggs.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Motor Vehicle Repairs Current Role: Director Company: Charter Self Drive Ltd Location: Darlington Website: www.charterselfdrive.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Technical Services Current Role: Corporate Sales Manager Company: Cooper Teesside BMW Location: Stockton on TeesWeb: www.cooperteessidebmw.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Business Admin Current Role: Customer Engagement Manager Company: Benfield Motor Group Location: Newcastle Website: www.benfieldcorporatemotoring.com

Apprenticeship: Industrial Screen Printing & Graphic Arts Current Role: Proprietor Company: Dave Renton Screen Printing Supplies Location: Gateshead Website: www.nesms.co.uk

STEPHEN TURNBULL ROBERT WALBY

ANDREW KELLY TONY MARSHALL DAVE RENTONTONI NELSON

Words of wisdom...

“The apprenticeship eventually saw me gain a Phd even though I didn’t achieve much at school.”Dr Colin Herron, MD, Zero Carbon Futures (subsidiary of Gateshead College)

Apprenticeship: Tour de France Current Role: UK, Ireland and Channel Islands Representative Company: Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France Location: Newcastle Website: www.compagnons-du-devoir.com

Apprenticeship: Professional Cookery Current Role: Sous Chef Company: Love Food Location: Newcastle Website: www.lovefoodltd.co.uk

PIERRE BANI

MARC KOUABLAN

Words of wisdom...

“Start out with an apprenticeship and progress through to university - not the other way around.” Amanda Vanek, regional manager, NECC

Apprenticeship: Performing ArtsCurrent Role: Composer Company: King Pit Prod Ltd Location: Gateshead Website: www.stuartbrayson.com

Apprenticeship: Footballer Current Role: NUFC Manager Company: Newcastle FC Location: NewcastleWebsite: www.nufc.co.uk

Apprenticeship: FootballerCurrent Role: Football Player for MFC and England U21s Company: Middlesbrough FC Location: Middlesbrough Website: www.mfc.co.uk

STUART BRAYSON JOHN CARVER BEN GIBSON

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Apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience in the workplace while gaining qualifications and my apprenticeship gave me the confidence and skill set to move onto the next step in my career.

“Take advantage

of all the training

opportunities your

employer offers. It’s

never too late to start

learning and every

qualification looks

great on your CV”

MELISSA HOGAN Apprenticeship: ManagementCurrent Role: Commercial Manager Company: Sedgefield Racecourse Location: Sedgefield Website: www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Footballer Current Role: Sunderland AFC AmbassadorCompany: Sunderland AFC Location: Sunderland Website: www.safc.com

Apprenticeship: FootballerCurrent Role: Former NUFC CaptainCompany: Newcastle FC Location: Newcastle Website: www.nufc.co.uk

JIMMY MONTGOMERYBOB MONCUR

Words of wisdom...

“Be willing, punctual, polite and respect the people you work with. If they like you, they will give you every skill you need” Len Stule, director, South Tyneside College

Apprenticeship: Trainee ChefCurrent Role: Director Company: 21 Hospitality Group Location: Newcastle Website: www.21hospitality.co.uk

TERRY LAYBOURNE

Apprenticeship: Stone Mason Current Role: Works Yard Manager Company: Durham Cathedral Location: DurhamWebsite: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

IAIN WILMSHURST

Apprenticeship: Business AdministrationCurrent Role: Head of Finance and Administration Company: Traverse Theatre Location: Edinburgh Website: www.traverse.co.uk

JULIE PIGOTT

I started working at Nissan as part of my work experience at school, going on to work one day a week. While I was there, an opportunity arose to take up an apprenticeship. It was a great starting point for me.

Although I didn’t pursue a career in engineering, the lessons have stuck - listen to people around you, don’t be afraid to think differently, and achieve your goals through hard work.

“The business

community has a

responsibility to invest

in the skills of the

future workforce

to generate

far-reaching benefits”

GARY HUTCHINSON Apprenticeship: Engineering Current Role: Commercial DirectorCompany: Sunderland AFCLocation: Sunderland Website: www.safc.com

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Apprenticeship: AccountancyCurrent Role: IT Director Company: Mullen Stoker Chartered Accountants Location: Durham Website: www.mullenstoker.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Principal of Grant Callander Wealth ManagementCompany: Grant Callander Wealth Management Location: Newcastle Web: www.sjpp.co.uk/grantcallander

Apprenticeship: Mechanical EngineeringCurrent Role: Managing Director Company: Arc Wealth Ltd Location: DarlingtonWebsite: www.arc-wealth.com

Apprenticeship: Accountancy (AAT) Current Role: Paraplanner Company: Active Financial Services Location: Stockton on Tees Website: www.activefinancialservices.co.uk

Apprenticeship: Trainee Production Engineer and Trainee AccountantCurrent Role: Owner Company: TaxAssist Accountants Location: Durham Website: www.taxassist.co.uk/durham

GARY STOKER

GRANT CALLANDER ANDREW CHAMBERS MALCOLM MASSEYANDREW GILMORE

Words of wisom...

“Work hard and always go that extra mile. A lot of businesses in the North East are owner-managed and the way to impress is either to help to generate new sales or to cut costs and make improvements to processes and drive efficiency” Craig Hart, management accountant Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd

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Throughout 2015, NECC is calling on businesses to join together to celebrate everything that makes the North East great, as well as looking forward to the next 200 years of North East business.

Since the first meeting of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce on January 5, 1815 at the Guildhall in Newcastle the chamber has been a catalyst of positive change for North East business, from the dredging and straightening of the Tyne in 1834 to improvements to the region’s motorway network and the arrival of aviation to the region in the middle of the 20th Century.

Skills has been a key area of policy for the chamber, from funding construction projects to launching the 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge in 2011 in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service. It remains as much a priority today as it always has, and apprenticeships are central to that.For more on NECC’s 200th anniversary celebrations, including events across the region, go to www.necc.co.uk or use #NECC200 on Twitter

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF NORTH EAST BUSINESS

1 9 1 6Funded a Faculty of Commerce at Armstrong College

(Newcastle University) to provide education in business and foreign languages. Chamber members

contributed £6486

1 9 2 8Worked with Armstrong College to set up a Faculty of

Commercial Research

1 9 5 7Started a commercial apprenticeship scheme to get

young people interested in commerce

1 9 5 9Raised £1,500 to provide lectures to 10-15 year olds

to excite their interest in science

1 9 8 4Teesside Chamber of Commerce establishes the first CadCam (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing)

training scheme in Cleveland

2 0 1 1Launched 100 Days Challenge which has since

created nearly 8,000 apprenticeships over four years

2 0 1 5Published apprentice greats showcasing 200 of the North East’s most successful leaders, and

inspring employers and young people to consider apprenticeships

“We have developed a reputation for world-leading expertise - we need to ensure we have succession plans in place to maintain our position”David Laws, NECC, President


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Call our Industry & Community Partnerships Team today on 01642 333322 or Email: [email protected]

Give your business the competitive edge, take on an Apprentice with Middlesbrough CollegeWhy Middlesbrough College?

Middlesbrough College are working with more businesses employing Apprentices in more sectors and at more skill levels than ever before. We offer fantastic facilities, expert tuition and dedicated support to help you source the right Apprentice and the right training programme.

Apprenticeships we offer include:

EngineeringBusiness & ProfessionalCatering & HospitalityCustomer ServiceConstructionHairdressing & Beauty Therapy

Health & CareIT & ComputingRetailSport & Exercise TeachingTravel & TourismVisual & Performing Arts

www.mbro.ac.ukRelease the potential

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALTara AllenLouise BallDawn BeaneyNigel BeggMartin BrassBryan BunnSusan BurlisonGavin CapeMatt CarryCarol CharltonChris CharltonDarren CloughLinden CookIsobel CurrieBrian DakersMichelle DaviesLeisa Docherty Paul DoughertyHayley DunnJulia EvansLynsey FairlessBeth FarhatDave FenwickMark GaleKelly GastonCraig HartMichael HenningNeil HenryAlan HerronDr Stan HigginsFred HoultTim HutchinsonOwen IngramPaul JacksonSteven Keppie

Eamonn LeaveyKelly LeeStuart LynnAmmar Mirza CBEAlan MoodyPhill MooreSandra NormanSara O’BrienWilliam O’NeilKim OliverDerek OvertonKelly PattisonSteve PearsonMartin PlewsStephen PlewsAlan PurvisLee RankinKarl ReidChristopher RobsonAndrew RobsonPeter RossiAndrew RoweDave RuddyAlastair RuffmanMark ScandleDerek ScottPhil ScottPaul StonebanksCarl SwansburyDr Mick ThurlbeckAmanda Vanek

MANUFACTURINGStuart BainbridgeChris BehrensGareth BerryJim Cairns

Adrian CharltonGary ConroyJohn CruddaceJerome Dardillac Mike DelroyAndy DrakeKevin FitzpatrickGeoff FordDavid ForrestorKevin FowlesSteve FranceGary GrahamTony GreenPhil HandleySteven HeapAlan HeppleJohn HintonMark HooperMalcolm IrvingPeter IveyMaureen Jamieson Christopher LawsonAmy LyonsPeter MahoneyMike Matthews MBEBilly MeijerDerrick MerringtonMike MeynellKeith MillerMichael O’HareKevin O’NeilTom RitchieCaraline RobinsonSteve RoseAllan ShawDavid SherwoodJohn Short

David SteelIan Teggert

CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTYStewart BeedleTony BrainAlan BrownLorraine CarterWayne ColeJohn CraggsJohn DaviesDavid FlewkerJoanne GordonTony GreenCraig HattonSteve HealeyJeanette HendersonDr Colin HerronLinda HobbsRobert HoltFrank LincolnBrian ManningPaul MasonStephen MelvinDonna MiddletonScott MunroLiam MurrayGavin RichardsonWayne RichardsonJohn SayersGary StainsbyIan StoreyAlison Thain OBEBrian TroddenGary WakePeter Walls

Stephen WilkieMichelle Wright

PUBLIC SECTOR & HEALTHCARELaura Bean Danielle BrownLoren Charlton Marcus ClintonMandy Corbitt Helen DaoAllyson Donohoe Jen HillKatrina McGurranSamantha McQuillinPeter Mitchell Beverley Reed Kirsty RobsonNeil SchneiderDonna SmithLen StuleCoun Paul Watson

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURERay BaldwinNeil BlagburnKevin CarrJames CleggDan HardestyJerry HopkinsonRaymond JohnstoneDavid LawsMike NicholsonClaire SharpSusan WearStewart Wingate

WHOLESALE & RETAILPeter AtkinsonSimon BarwickJames CarrollPeter DrabbleAlistair JamesonAndrew KellyTony MarshallToni NelsonDave RentonStephen TurnbullRobert Walby

LEISURE, CULTURE & TOURISM Pierre Bani Stuart BraysonJohn CarverBen GibsonMelissa HoganGary HutchinsonMarc KouablanTerry LaybourneJulie Pigott Bob MoncurJimmy MontgomeryIain Wilmshurst FINANCIALGrant CallanderAndrew ChambersAndrew GilmoreMalcolm MasseyGary Stoker

200 FORMER APPRENTICES IN THIS BOOK

www.necc.co.ukNorth East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Aykley Heads Business Centre, Aykley Heads, Durham, England DH1 5TS,

tel 0300 303 6322, email [email protected]

Be Part Of It#NECC200

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