Telford College students have been speaking about the life-changing opportunities which have opened up for them, as a direct result of their apprenticeships.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, which brings together businesses and apprentices to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Business administration apprentice Kyra Fone, a former Madeley Academy student from Aqueduct, was named Apprentice of the Year at the college’s awards last year.
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She is working with estate services company Spacecare Limited in Halesfield, and says her time on the level three apprenticeship has helped her to improve confidence and ‘grow as a person’.
“The course includes many useful skills which has helped me with my everyday tasks at work.
“During my apprenticeship I have gained a job promotion from customer support to accounts assistant, and am now moving onto my AAT level two, which I’m most excited about.
“Telford College has been nothing but supportive of me during my journey. I have managed to achieve many of the goals I had set for myself, including getting my driver’s licence, developing my career, and even buying my own car.”
Lewis Barrell moved to Telford College from Walsall when he discovered the wealth of apprenticeships on offer, and is now on a level two AAT programme, combining his studies with a job at Kew Accounting.
The 20-year-old, who was previously on a BTEC accounts course, said the apprenticeship had given him a chance of much better work experience, and greater career prospects.
“I really like the way the course is broken down, with one full day each week in college. You get more chance to speak to tutors and talk to your peers too.”
Lewis said he would like to move onto level three and four apprenticeships, allowing him to continue his Telford College studies.
“An apprenticeship is a good option to get more work experience, and boost my CV,” he said.
And Mahz Ali, a former Charlton School student, is on a level two bricklaying apprenticeship with Rubik Builders of Hortonwood.
He says: “My favourite part of my apprenticeship is the practical side, laying the bricks and blocks.
“I chose the apprenticeship route as I felt it would be a better option for me than university. I liked the idea of learning whilst also getting a wage.”
Telford College offers apprenticeships in 38 different careers, for both young people and adults. For every £1 of Government investment, the college generates a return of more than £25 from its apprenticeship programmes.
The college currently engages with more around 1,000 apprentices, and 98% secure permanent employment or continue to further or higher education when their training is complete.
It has close links with more than 700 companies, and our curriculum is created in collaboration with the business community to ensure their needs are met.
More details about Telford College’s apprenticeships, and current employment opportunities, can be found on our apprenticeships page.
You can listen to BBC Radio Shropshire talk to a number of construction apprentices about the programme in this interview below.
