Apprentices on Course for Success

Apprentice James Rowley

Apprentice Carpenter Nails It!

An apprentice carpenter nailed it when he took up a new training course and landed himself a prize iPod. James Rowley, 17, is studying an NVQ Level 1 in carpentry & joinery at Stourbridge College’s Advanced Technology Centre based at the Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill.

As part of his apprenticeship James, from Pensnett, signed up for the LA-Life scheme set up by Connexions Black Country and the Learning & Skills Council. LA-Life provides free learning opportunities and specialist support to 16 and 17 year olds who are in work but not receiving any kind of training.

James, who works for SE Carpenters based in Birmingham, won an iPod in recognition of his progress on the programme. He said: “LA-Life helped me secure the college training. I am enjoying the course. Everyone at the ATC is friendly and helpful and you get a lot of support. I would say to any young person interested in carpentry, find an apprenticeship. It’s the best way to get trained and you get experience with an employer backed up with college qualifications.”

I am enjoying the course. Everyone at the ATC is friendly and helpful and you get a lot of support.

Employers looking to recruit high calibre staff or to update an existing workforce’s skills can now seek help from Stourbridge College.

With a pool of apprentices looking for practical training the college is seeking employers and businesses that could benefit from the national scheme. Even Alan Sugar, the business entrepreneur and star of the TV series, The Apprentice, endorses the programme.

All apprenticeships lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Key Skills Qualifications (KSQs) and a technical certificate such as City & Guilds. This ensures employers gain skilled and qualified staff on a full-time basis.

Some of the apprenticeship courses provided by Stourbridge College include:

• Accountancy
• Brickwork
• Business administration
• Carpentry & joinery
• Child care
• Electrical installation
• Gas installation and maintenance
• Vehicle service and repair
• Motor vehicle fitting
• Plumbing Team leading

For 2009, we have added lots of new apprenticeship courses. List of all apprenticeships on offer.

There is also a variety of short courses, workshops, seminars and other NVQs on offer – some of them fully funded – ranging from health and social care to hospitality. For all apprentice enquiries contact Helen Dunwell on 01384 435184 or email Helen.dunwell@stourbridge.ac.uk.

Apprentices - Left to right: Karen Hall, Nicola Kane and Louise Robinson

Apprentice Louise Takes the Plunge

Louise Robinson, 44, from Wordsley enrolled on an NVQ Level 3 plumbing course. As a former professional cyclist who has travelled the world, Louise originally dropped out of college and pursued mainly office based positions.

She said: “Construction is the backbone of my family. My brother is a builder and my dad is a carpenter – the only thing we were missing was a plumber. After travelling with my cycling, I was keen to get a new career. The plumbing trade appealed and the course at Stourbridge College was ideal. I took the plunge and joined the apprentice scheme. I hope to eventually take another qualification in gas at Stourbridge College and further improve my career chances.”

Louise gets her practical training at SPP Plumbing & Heating based in Wollaston.

Link to Connexions website:
www.connexions-bc.co.uk