Course Is Just The Job For Aspiring Apprentices

A group of young engineers have successfully earned apprenticeships through a scheme operated by East Riding College.

The learners, aged between 16 and 18, applied for apprenticeships with the College but did not meet some of the criteria necessary to secure one.

They were offered a “pre-apprenticeship”, which included work experience with a local firm and support with essential skills, and all have now been taken on as an apprentice by their work experience employer.

Motor vehicle tutor Glenn Jensen said:

“These learners were really keen to work and to develop their skills through an apprenticeship but needed a little support to reach the required standard.”

“By completing a pre-apprenticeship, they have improved their English and maths, and their employability skills, and they have been taken on by the employer who they carried out their work experience with.”

“The employers have effectively been able to conduct an extended work trial and job interview, and have now taken on as apprentices young people who have proven themselves to be able and reliable workers.”

One of the learners is apprentice mechanic Callum Clark, 18, from Beverley, who now works for Andrew Self Drive in the town.

He said:

“When I applied for the apprenticeship, I didn’t have the work skills I needed so the pre-apprenticeship enabled me to come to College to get the skills I needed.”

“I’m now on the apprenticeship and really enjoying it.”

Ian Andrews, of managing director of Andrews Self-Drive, said: “These courses give people the chance to get industry skills and experience straight from school.

“Callum was initially in that school mode – it’s a different mindset when you are in industry – and the training really did help him.”

“He’s proving his worth now. He is keen to tackle any job we give him.”

The other learners are Ben Hullah, 16, from Driffield, who works for Dollys Autos in Driffield; Jack Ellis, 17, of Beverley, who works for Gren Craig Motors in Beverley; Matt Raines, 17, of Beeford, who works for GT Autos in Garton-on-the-Wolds; and Kieran Beal, 16, of Driffield, who works for Paul Harrison Cars in Driffield.

Pre-apprenticeships at East Riding College are aimed at people aged 16 to 24 who are keen to work but who need a little help to get an apprenticeship, a job, or further training.

They take from six weeks up to six months and involve work experience, “employability skills”, such as preparation for job interviews and assistance with writing a CV, and help with improving essential English and maths skills, if required.

For more information about pre-apprenticeships at East Riding College, for both learners and employers who would like to offer work experience, call 0845 120037.