MIDDLESBROUGH College has always been, and will continue to be, pro-active when it comes to promoting the benefits of apprenticeships.
Middlesbrough College principal Mike Hopkins, said: “The apprentice receives professional on-the-job training while studying a relevant qualification at college.
“The employer is in a win-win situation receiving an extra member of staff to add to the workforce at a reduced cost, but acquiring the opportunity to develop, mould and nurture the apprentice into a top performer within the company.
“Many companies Middlesbrough College works with tell aspirational stories of apprentices they’ve taken on at trainee level, who years later have gained promotion and worked their way up to senior management posts.
“We thank those businesses for their trust and loyalty in the students we’ve provided them and they thank us for the professional teaching we have delivered, which has gained their apprentice extra, higher qualifications.”
Mr Hopkins added: “We are proud to have been associated with the 500 in 100 campaign and are really happy it proved such a success.
“We place great prominence on apprenticeships, and although we realise they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, they do serve a real purpose and are highly respected within industry, which is why we are still passionate about supporting them.”
One example is apprentice electrician Alec Corner. The 21-year-old, from Acklam, Middlesbrough, won through to the national finals of a competition to find the UK Apprentice Electrician of the Year.
Alec works with his dad in the family firm, Middlesbrough-based Corners Electrical, and is studying for his NVQ level 3 at Middlesbrough College.
It was his head lecturer there, Graeme Atkins, who suggested he take part in the regional heat of the competition against candidates from further education colleges across the North East.
The competition, held at Middlesbrough College, involved completing an electrical assessment – and Alec’s win meant he represented the region at the national finals in Swindon last week. The top title was taken by a student from Wales.
Middlesbrough College Call: 01642 333333 Visit: www.mbro.ac.uk
