As the Government release details about a new apprenticeship incentive grant for businesses, George Eustice, MP Camborne and Redruth, has this week visited Cornwall College Business apprentices in order to understand how effective local programmes can be.
Cornwall College Business train over 1,700 apprentices in businesses all over Cornwall and celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by showing Mr Eustice the impressive impact apprenticeship training is having on two Camborne businesses.
Powell’s Garage is a family business that has been operating in Camborne for 48 years. They currently employ 14 members of staff, including four apprentices. Heather Powell, Managing Director said: “The motor industry moves so quickly and as an independent garage, we need to be able to keep up with the new technology. The apprenticeship programmes allow us to continually develop our existing staff’s skills and to develop the future talent of our business.”
Martin Fisher has just completed his Level 3 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship and was promoted to Workshop Supervisor when the company moved premises 12 months ago. Mr Fisher explained to Mr Eustice how the apprenticeship training has allowed him to further his career: “In this day and age I think that it is important to learn as many skills as you possibly can. I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”
George Eustice also met with an apprentice at Anderson Advantage, a Camborne based accountants, who employ six staff and one apprentice on a Cornwall College Business Accountancy Apprenticeship programme. Natasha Williams Brown joined Anderson Advantage after completing her GCSEs and doing a week’s work experience with the firm. Keith Anderson, MD said: “Apprenticeships are a good option for young people because there are some excellent career progression opportunities. Natasha fits in very well with the office team and is doing really well with her training at Cornwall College, who provide us with invaluable support and regular contact.”
George Eustice said: “I have been very impressed by the Cornwall College Business apprenticeship programmes that I have seen today. Apprenticeships are a very good way to give young people a clear career path, allowing them to clearly progress onto the next level in their careers through an on-going process of training.”
To find out more about the range of apprenticeships available through Cornwall College Business, get in touch on www.ccb.cornwall.ac.uk / 0800 731 7594 / [email protected]