DERWENTSIDE College has celebrated another very successful year delivering apprenticeship programmes, as well as seeing a significant achievement in its recruitment of apprentices.
Alongside this success, the college has also received significant employer feedback on the quality and aptitude of its apprentices.
With excellent links with a wide variety of local and regional employers, Derwentside College takes great pride in finding the right apprentice for the right employer, which has ultimately paid dividends for all concerned.
A typical example is KC Engineering, where two new apprentices have recently joined the company. Chris Campbell and Tom Pinnington have already impressed their employer at this engineering company, based near Consett. Human resources manager Miranda Lee said: “I couldn’t fault the calibre of Derwentside College’s apprentices.
“The quality of candidates we have interviewed from the college has been second-to-none. We wouldn’t go anywhere else for our apprenticeship provision.” Chris and Tom are equally delighted with the arrangement, as they follow in the footsteps of over 15 apprentices before them, who were also from Derwentside College.
Both Chris and Tom are delighted with their new working environment, particularly as they felt that the college had equipped them with a lot of the necessary skills to enter the world of employment.
Dr Keith Chester, managing director of KC Engineering, said: “Apprenticeships are marvellous opportunities for young people to gain experience in significant industries, which ultimately boosts the UK economy.
“It’s a win-win-situation with apprentices gaining high-quality training at college and their employment, whilst businesses are gaining workers with up-to-date skills who are eager to prove their worth in the world of industry.” Equally delighted is Quantum Pharmaceutical, which now has six apprentices from Derwentside College in their company headquarters. In fact, they are so pleased that they have even put one learner, Clare Atkinson, forward for national and regional awards.
Joy Toner, head of human resources, said: “Managers across the business often comment upon how professional and friendly Clare is; her commitment is unsurpassed and she shows great potential.”
In fact, Clare’s outstanding ability has already been officially recognised when she was a finalist for the HR Developing People award earlier this year.
Also progressing well in industry, former apprentices are proving their calibre in the workplace, with award-winning twin engineers Stuart and James Parkin now managers at Hiatco Engineering and David Milmore, who was also a former award-winning engineering apprentice at Derwentside College, having become a team leader at KC Engineering. Having previously studied at the college, David is now responsible for 50% of the training for current apprentices in the company’s production department.
Not resting on its laurels, Derwentside College has now added new areas to its apprenticeship provision in electrical installation and sport.
Kyle Holt is a current sport apprentice, based at the YMCA in Consett, where he has already made his mark. Lee Robson, YMCA activity/project manager for Reaching Communities, said: “Kyle’s role has been to maintain activity resources, as well as lead groups, and he is also teaching some of the staff outdoor skills.
“He is a natural-born leader, and during his short time I have seen him mature and grow in confidence, showing an extensive willingness and determination to learn new skills.”
Derwentside College specialises in a wide range of areas, including: accounting, beauty therapy, business and administration, call centre operations, care, catering, childcare, cleaning, customer service, engineering and electrical engineering, hairdressing, housing and sport.
For further information, contact Derwentside College’s employer engagement team on 01207 585914.
