Young people with practical skills or an interest in the trades can start out on a rewarding career path with Redcar & Cleveland College’s Apprenticeship programme.

With placements in all of the building and construction trades, from brickwork and plastering to joinery, plumbing and paining and decorating, as well as hairdressing, accountancy, IT and business administration, apprentices will receive first-rate training and the qualifications they need to succeed.

People aged 16 and over can apply for a place on Apprenticeship courses, that will see them work in their chosen industry four days a week and study at college the remaining day.

They will work alongside industry professionals, who have the knowledge and experience to develop raw skills and turn young people into skilled employees.
And for those who need to brush up on their key academic skills, such as maths and literacy, college tutors are there to ensure apprentices receive a rounded education that covers all the bases.

Carol Jordan, Head of Employer Engagement at the college, said the majority of apprentices were given permanent jobs by their placement employers once qualified.
She said there were no boundaries between young men and women – with a number of female students working in typically male dominated areas, such as construction.

“We get a very varied group of people coming to the college for the Apprenticeship programme,” she said.

“We have those in the construction trades, along with people who want to enter the world of business and accountancy.

“I am always amazed at how skilled apprentices become in such a short space of time. They work hard, become very disciplined and are ultimately respected in their chosen fields of work.

“It is so rewarding to see young people developing such sought-after skills and heading out on successful careers.”

The college works with a range of employers from across the area who all value the injection of new skills and enthusiasm that employing an apprentice brings.

Stan Clingo, of S.C. Joinery, said: “Apprentices are valuable members of the team and a great asset to the business. The apprentices that we employ are supported at all times by the college and their tutors throughout their training. Feedback and systems at the college are very easy to follow and communication is on-going.”

Christine Kirby, of Coast & Country Housing Ltd, added: “Through our work with apprentices from Redcar & Cleveland College, we appreciate and understand the level of support that is given to them to help them succeed. We also understand how important it is to work closely with the college and the partnership we have.

“We are very pleased with our decision to employ apprentices and work with the college to develop their skills.”

As well as offering traditional Apprenticeships, the college also offers students the opportunity to study on an Advanced Apprenticeship course. The Advanced Apprenticeship offers an alternative to traditional A-Levels, offering young people the opportunity to take a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3. Additionally, the apprenticeship may include other requirements based on what the individual employers considers important for the young person and their business.

There are 168 students this year on apprenticeships at the college, earning up to £95 a week, however, that increases with time and age.

Michelle Wheeler, Employer Engagement Co-ordinator, said students had to meet strict criteria to be accepted onto a course, but said for those unable to do so, there were other pre-entry courses to help them on their way.

“The apprentices are expected to work hard, but their rewards come once they are qualified because they acquire skills for life,” she said.