Apprentice awarded for Outstanding Contributions

A Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to his employer.

Harry Jones, aged 18 has been awarded an Apprenticeship Recognition Award by the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  Harry, who lives in the Westlands, is studying an NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support and is employed by Orbital Gas Systems Ltd. 

The former Clayton Hall Business and Languages College pupil, said: ““It is an honour to be nominated and to receive an award for my work at Orbital.”

Harry was nominated by Richard Law Director of Infrastructure for his support in assisting with the establishment of new business facilities and preparation for a recent industry audit.  Richard commented that “Harry has demonstrated a mature and tenacious approach to his employment over the past 12 months and is already establishing himself as a valuable employee”.
Harry started his Advanced Apprenticeship in September 2012 and has already completed two Electrical units and one fitting unit, as well as units in workplace personal learning and thinking skills and Employment Responsibilities and Rights.
Colin Alaimo, Lecturer/Assessor in Engineering at the College, said: “Harry completes all tasks on time and to a high standard with enthusiasm, showing he understands each departments’ role within the company and the procedures and processes needed for a successful business.”

Orbital is a specialist gas engineering company, delivering integrated instrumentation and engineered solutions to the gas utilities, industrial process and environmental industries.   The company have grown significantly from being a small specialist subcontractor, into one of the largest solution providers in the UK industrial gas market.
Harry is based at the company’s five acre Head Office in Staffordshire where Orbital’s team of engineers and project managers run a project in its entirety, from conception through detailed design and in house build, then on to site installation with commissioning and subsequent training of personnel.

Through studying an Advanced Apprenticeship Harry has the opportunity to work in all aspects of the business.  The Apprenticeship allows him to spend time in various departments where he can gain knowledge and experience of all the company’s procedures and products.

Orbital has been running an apprentice scheme for two years in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College with Harry being one of the first formal apprentices within the company.
Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, said: “I’m delighted that Harry has been recognised for his outstanding contributions during his apprenticeship.  Here at NULC we work with over 500 employers across Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire to provide quality and cost effective work-based training which benefits the local economy.  Harry is a shining example of how work-based training is a successful alternative to traditional academic study and can benefit both employers and their workforce.”

College reveals companies taking part in Back to the Floor

Newcastle-under-Lyme College today revealed local business men and women who have volunteered to go ‘back to the floor’ in a bid to raise awareness of apprenticeships.

Eight local business men and women were matched with a local employer and apprentice at the launch event of the College’s Pledge a Place campaign.  The volunteers will work shadow the apprentice over the course of next week during National Apprenticeships Week. 

Among those taking part include NULC Principal Karen Dobson, local MP Paul Farrelly, and Newcastle Borough Councillor John Sellgren.

The College event attracted a range of employers who have shown their support for apprenticeships by ‘pledging a place’ or agreeing to work with the College to support young people. They include ABB, Alstom, Skills for Care, Ageas Insurance, and Hanley Economic Building Society.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at the College, said: “The aim of the campaign is to raise the awareness of apprenticeships in order to support young people locally.  Employers were able to talk to other employers who have taken on an apprentice with us and show the benefits that it’s made to their business.”

Karen Dobson, Principal at NULC, has been placed at SamiRayz hair studio and will be shadowing apprentice Sally Jones.  Karen said: “I’m very excited about the placement.  I’m proud to see apprentices going through our College every day but this will give me a real insight into how they apply their knowledge and training on the job.”

Karen continued:  “Whilst the placements are a bit of fun for those involved we hope that the campaign will help us to maximise opportunities for learners and develop partnerships in the local community, in line with our strategic objectives.”

If your business has fewer than 1000 employees and have not employed an apprentice within the last 12 months you may be eligible to receive a grant (AGE 16-24) worth £1500. 

Newcastle-under-Lyme College provides apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships in a range of subject areas including Accounting, Activity Leadership, Beauty Therapy, Brickwork, Business Admin, Creative Design, Customer Service, Early Years, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health & Social Care, IT, Joinery, Motor Vehicle, Painting & Decorating and Retail. 

For further information or to get involved visit www.nulc.ac.uk/pledge-a-place. 
If you would like to become an apprentice, come along to our open event on Wednesday 12 March at 5.30pm to speak to employers, staff and find out more.