Apprenticeships, Bristol Post 2015

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Apprenticeships 2015

Your essential guide to the best apprenticeship schemes inBristol and beyond to get your career in top gear

FAST TRACKTO SUCCESS

TRAINING GUIDE

In association with

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2 Thursday, April 23, 2015www. .co.uk

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. Theseweren’t graduands, but apprentices.The group were some of the top

achievers who have recently com-pleted higher apprenticeships fromthe region.The event was symbolic, and you

might 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 by

some 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 at

age 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 largewith around 65,000 train-ing in Engineering andManufacturing Technologies, al-though just 16,000 were in Construc-tion, Planning and the Built

Environment.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 research

fellow 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 be

on young people’s training, adulttraining is just as important.”On gender, Becci added: “ Broadly

there 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 apprentice

starters in Bristol last year. A further700 inNorth Somerset and 990 inBathand North-East Somerset.For some, apprenticeships still rep-

resent a second chance.Callum Marsh found his role as a

finance apprentice at BrunelCare inBristol with Kaplan Financialthrough a portal called GetMyFirst-Job .“I didn’t have the best grades for

uni so an apprenticeship was the bestway to work from the bottom andpursue my career goals,” said the20-year-old.“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 work

has paid off and they want me toprogress within the company.”But increasingly apprenticeship

are a first choice andagoodway to get

a head start in a career without thedebts associated with university.At just 17,Molly Dowling is already

making her way in the creative in-dustries as a key part of the team atBristol public relations companyPurplefish.Bright and driven, Molly knew she

wanted to work in marketing andsocial media so did her own research,eventually finding an apprenticeshipthrough training provider 3AAA.She had to overcome her own

doubts first, however.“I was worried about whether not

doing A-levels would affect my ca-

reer,” 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 found

an apprenticeship in the career Iwant to pursue,” she said.Lynette Daly, publisher of Moving

On 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

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.”

Assistant Editor (Business)[email protected]

Molly Dowling, anapprentice at public

relations companyPurplefish

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

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3Thursday, April 23, 2015 www. .co.uk

full time college or university courseis anything but a waste of talent.“Gone are the days when people

saw 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 operator

Mitchells & 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 to

address skills shortages in their sec-tor.House builder Crest Nicholson

does 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-orator.Masie said: “I’ve been part of the

programme for coming up to threeyears now, and it’s been a fantastic

learning experience.“One of themajor 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 apprentices

such 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 perceptionsabout apprenticeships.They are going to go

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

low.

● Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship graduate Alex Fields celebrates at the GreatHall, Wills Memorial Building

● Masie Lapham, a decorator at Port Maine in Portishead

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’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 always

wanted 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 route

into 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 college

and even went to university to startstudying the topic.“But at university you learn the

theories 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 the

fourth time and was successful, so Ileft university to start the appren-ticeship.“I definitely feel like I made the

right decision. I am learning somucheveryday, and the people I work withare so helpful and supportive. Theyare not afraid to challenge me.“I have found out a lot about what

the council do which I had never

realised before, and it has made meappreciate just howmuchgoes into it.I now know that this is definitelysomething I want to do and I feel likethis placement will really help withthat.”Martin added that he would re-

commend an apprenticeship to anyyoung people thinking of undertak-ing one.He said: “The experience you gain

is invaluable really and I would def-initely recommend an apprentice-ship.”

‘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 BristolCollege.Nadia now has a permanent job at

Bristol City Council working in thefinance team, after she spent a yearworking as an apprentice in a dif-ferent department.Nadia said: “I studied at college

before undertaking my apprentice-ship, and did a three-month place-ment at the college.“I then started my apprenticeship

at Bristol City Council inMarch 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 so

far has been excellent.“There are always people on hand

to help and support you, and you arelearning so much every day.“The admin-based office skills you

learn are very important,“I don’t think you can get those

skills from studying an academiccourse.”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 andstudy.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.”

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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, Tithegrove

has 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 of

good 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 ownworkforce 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 theSouthWest are due to be created overthe next five years to 2019, but thatskills shortages threatened the re-gion’s ability to realise its economicpotential.The Groundworks Apprenticeship

Scheme (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 to

increase 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 withtheNational ConstructionCollege, 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-

prenticeswill 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

company.In partnership with the CITB,

Tithegrove has spent the last fewmonths introducing “groundworks”to students in local schools and, inaddition to Bristol Post’sApprenticesFair 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, pictured.

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 traineeswill 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 taketheir driving test following a one week intensive course.

Each Apprentice will be mentored by an experienced Site Supervisorand supported by a Training Support Officer.

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

@tithegrove /tithegrove

GroundworksApprenticeship SchemeLaunches September 2015

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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-tice.

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 theapprenticeship scheme and during the past 10 years we have had inexcess of 40 apprentices working through the apprenticeship program.

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

have also seen success with a number of our apprentices being nominatedfor the South West Apprentice of the Year, with one actually winning theaward 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 sparkyou need for your future...

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

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YOUwould expectWestonCol-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-ticeships.Short film clips and selfies were

posted by apprentices on a dedicatedapprenticeship Facebook page, withkey facts and questions in order toencourage ‘likes’ and ‘shares’.The campaign was organised as

part 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, Apprenticeships

Recruitment Coordinator, said: “The

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 were

reached by Facebook during the cam-paign. Chocolates were delivered tomany of the contributing apprenticesand Argos vouchers given to the bestentries.Winners were Becky Millard, at

Debbie Fortune Estate Agents, andWill Dix-McGrath and Lois Erasmus,who are both at Castellan (all pic-tured).Apprentice sales negotiator Becky

Millard 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-come.”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 theywere providedwith,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 being

an 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

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‘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 the

team, I was given an overview of thevarious interesting projects in theirportfolio and made to feel at home.“Alongside my mandatory training

and 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 ArmedForces.“With the exceptionally supportive

environment 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 ofDefence.”

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 considered

a role in Commercial, or realised thistype of apprenticeship existed, butafter the comprehensive inductionweek that theMOD 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 twoweeks, 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 Apprenticeship

program there are countless trainingopportunities including an NVQ inSupply ChainManagement as well asa professionally accredited and re-cognised qualification from theChartered Institute of Purchasing &Supply (CIPS) which is second tonone.“It may seem a daunting task, but

we spend one afternoon a week atcollege, have our very ownAssessors,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 careerdecisions.“Highly competitive, this appren-

ticeship offers an incredible oppor-tunity to be part of the vast machine,supporting all parts of our ArmedForces.“Sending in that application has

been thebest thing I’ve done, in averylong 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-portunity.“At first when I saw it advertised I

felt I was too long in the tooth andunder qualified having no A-Levelsor a degree to participate in thescheme, but the support frommywifeand family helpedme 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 the

commercial 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 I

work 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 forme and Iwould 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

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’Outstanding’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 been

particularly 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 of

apprenticeships 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 peoplesworkforce● Education and schoolsMuch of the growth is attributable

to 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 allsectors.Patrick Mcleod, Head of Offsite

Provision, 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 new

range 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 constructionmanagement 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 formany areas ofour business and are looking to ex-pand this further over the comingmonths.”● For more information, contact theapprenticeship team on 0800 0726077, or email [email protected]

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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 SouthWales and theWest of England.The Group is made up of main dealerships for Audi, Ford, SEAT,ŠKODA andVolkswagen, along with a number of multi-brand service centres, bodyshops andTPS (our trade parts division).

Our Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA andVolkswagen staff all benefit fromVolkswagen Grouptraining, which includes theVolkswagen Group Advanced Apprenticeship Programme.Each of theseVolkswagen Group brands has a reputation for providing service andtraining that is second to none.A successful business demands a skilled workforce.Anda skilled workforce demands training and knowledge. It’s that simple.

We want to attract, develop and retain people with a broad range of skills. Ourapprentices who are trained through theVolkswagen Group Programme add realbenefits to our dealerships, and, in return, have the chance to build the foundations foran exciting, rewarding and fulfilling career.


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: “Ididn’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 neighbourwhowaswork-ing on his car andwithin aweek I haddecided to change my career. I knewthen that I wanted to work withcars.“I have always learnt better with

practical things, and have alwaysbeen quite mechanical and, while Idid well with my written exams, Ididn’t enjoy them. So, learning whileworking through an apprenticeshipwas the best option for me.“In work I have been learning

about how to service a car and whythat needs to be completed, and aboutdiagnosing faults from both softwareand mechanical components.“My mentor is a gearbox specialist

and I really enjoyworkingwith him. Ilove that I find all the complicatedmechanical stuff easy to under-stand!“I attend college every othermonth

for aweek 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 stay

away 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 amassive 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 my

course and, while the motor industryis perceived as a very male-domin-ated industry, I get on reallywell witheveryone and just feel like one of thelads. They are likemy brothers I havemade some really good friends.“My ambition once I have qualified

is to train to become a master tech-nician; I want to see how far I can get.Maybe ultimately I’d like to workwithRedBull, 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 knewwas thathe loved sport.He started the Second Chance Coach-

makers programme and he quickly founddirection.His natural leadership ability became

apparent 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 goalwas 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 SGS

College 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 Heroes

Awards, 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

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Why trainingacademy’s a cutabove the rest

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

Academy.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’ hairdressing.Apprenticeships on offer include

NVQ Level 2 and 3 diploma inhairdressing and an Level 2 inbarbering.There is also a pre-apprenticeship

study programme, traineeships,training in English and maths, “em-ployability skills” and personallearning and thinking skills.The academy’s mission statement

is “Educate in order to innovate” andit aims to provide and uphold thehighest standard of training for alllearners.As a measure of excellence,

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

take 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 learning

environment, with professional andhighly skilled tutors.To help hone their skills, learners

are encouraged to take part in theacademy’s highly acclaimed learnercompetition.Among the academy’s accolades

are: 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 andopportunities, 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 andcolouring and has worked

extremely hard to overcomemany barriers to pursuing hercareer in hairdressing. Shewent against her father’swishes, she undertook thecourse in her non-nativelanguage, she was awayfrom her family, her homecountry 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.”

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Apprentice electricians wanted in Bristol

Join Clarkson Evans’ award-winning team

www.clarksonevans.co.ukJoin the conversation @clarksonevans

As one of the ’s fastest growing electrical contractors we’re looking for e i le energeticapprentices 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 bookin the Bristol area. Our award-winning training, strong team spirit and excellent career prospects mean ourlocal apprenticeship opportunities are in high demand.

You’ll get real experience working on new housing developments in the local area and will attend ourtraining 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 freebreakfast each morning!

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

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

last year.They’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 and

giving 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-ers.Bristol Apprenticeship Finalist

Ryan Jones, pictured, decided to giveup a successful career as a chef to joinClarkson Evans.Being a chef saw Ryan work as part

of 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 ClarksonEvans.“I wanted to earn while I learnt a

trade 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.Itwas a risk givingupmy 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-prenticeship,” 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

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DRINKWATER

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 Gary

Sheppard 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 initial

stages 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 onsub-contractors.Helm Construction has just

offered 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. Sitemanager 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 years

ago 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 theindustry.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-ations.Chief Executive Gary Sheppard

said: “We believe in breaking downthe traditional career progres-sions, ensuring that further train-ing is available for all employeesregardless of background and age.Weare aiming to build the skillswehave 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

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LOCAL JOBS

ENGINEERING44,400

4,678£63,000ENGINEERINGBUSINESSES

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

NATIONAL AVERAGE ANNUALCHARTERED ENGINEER SALARY

A SAMPLE OFAPPRENTICESHIPSAVAILABLE:ENGINEERING ADVANCED

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURECRAFT TECHNICIAN

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE(SENIOR TECHNICIAN)

ENGINEERING INTERMEDIATE

ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE(OPERATOR & SEMI-SKILLED)

IMPROVING OPERATIONALPERFORMANCE

RAIL ENGINEERING (TRACK)

INDUSTRYCATEGORIES

High Tech &ElectronicsManufacture& MechanicalAerospace,Defence &MarineEnergy & PowerGenerationFood & DrinkTechnologiesMedicalCivil & Rail

NEW APPRENTICESIN 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 theirpeople.

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-ness.

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 itsstaff.”

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 payincrease.

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.”

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Apprenticeships, Bristol Post 2015

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