LOG INNews and Events
June 2010
Apps For Students
Five Stourbridge College students have been taken on by local employers after successfully completing apprenticeships in construction related trades proving that APPS really do work! Sam Hunt and James Harris, both 17 and Robert Bloomer, 18, have all been employed by Gameson Joinery and Joshua Kistner, 20, and George Johnstone, 18, have been employed by Woodcraft Joinery.
Successful apprentices about to start jobs with local employers.
All five students began on a Full Time Carpentry & Joinery course, and now spend four days working with their employers and one day at Stourbridge College’s Advanced Technology Centre in Brierley Hill perfecting their trade.
Josh, originally from Germany, said: “When I arrived in England my mum recommended the college to me, so I came to the ATC with my suitcase and signed up for a course! It’s the best thing I ever did, and I’ve not looked back, I have learned a new skill and hope that I can continue onto my Level 3 and in the future become qualified to work full time as a joiner.”
James said: “My brother came here to do Construction and recommended the college. I came along to an open event and was really impressed by the excellent facilities and how friendly and helpful the staff were. Since starting my apprenticeship I feel I have become more confident and being able to earn money whilst I’m training is great!”
Kevin Stevens, Assistant Principal for Construction & the Built Environment, said: “We are very pleased with the calibre of our students and I am delighted that the five lads have found work placements to allow them to continue with their studies and perfect their trade. Woodcraft Joinery were originally only looking for one employee but they were so impressed at interview that they took both students on as apprentices.”
Stephen Tomkins, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer, said: “Gameson asked staff to recommend suitable applicants who were then invited for interview. They were really impressed with the lads as the basic skills they have learned whilst doing their Level 1 and 2 at college have equipped them with the essentials to get started in the world of work.”
Our success rates have increased steadily over the past four years and we are currently in the top 25% of colleges nationally. 
