#NAW2018 and Beyond

This year, National Apprenticeship Week 2018 took place between 5 and 9 March. Now in its 11th year, it celebrates apprenticeships and how they benefit people, businesses, communities and our economy.

During this years’ National Apprenticeship Week, we were able to celebrate some great successes including a number of Skills Group apprentices being nominated for awards, our non-executive director, Chris Jeffery, receiving her MBE and receiving our highly sought after CIFE certification.

Radio Plymouth’s Apprentice of the Year Awards

Congratulations to Hayley Jarvis who was shortlisted for Radio Plymouth’s Apprentice of the Year award. Hayley has also secured a fantastic role as School Games Organiser and Coach at Plymouth School Sports Partnership (PSSP), which is following successful completion of her intermediate Sport and Leisure Apprenticeship with Skills Group.

Construction Apprentice of the Year Award – Hosted by Building Plymouth

Congratulations to everyone who took part in these awards, and an extra special well done to all of our finalists which included Ashley O’Neill from Classic Builders and Jacob McTighe and Peter Waddington from Elmes Construction.

MBE for Skills Groups’ Chris Jeffery

Earlier this year we reported that our non-executive director, Chris Jeffery was awarded an MBE for her work and services to Skills Training and Charity. Chris thoroughly enjoyed the visit to London to receive her award from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace during #NAW2018.

Chartered Institute of Further Education

On Thursday 8th March, we attended the welcome ceremony at Apothecaries Hall in London, where we received our official scroll and certification as members of the Royal Chartered Institute of Further Education. As one of the only independent training providers nationally to become members of the CIFE we are thrilled to have received such a warm welcome to this prestigious institution. We look forward to working together with fellow members to share and develop best practices to influence and raise the professional status of the sector.

Skills South West 2018

This year the show saw record numbers of attendees including 44 educational establishments, who brought along 2155 students, tutors and teachers, 372 individuals popped in to find out more and 678 attended the evening opening, making a grand total of 3205 visitors.

The event was attended by a wide range of top training organisations including the armed forces, large employers such as Vospers and Barratt Homes and top local colleges and training providers.

We are also very proud to announce that at the end of the event, Skills Group were awarded the Best Stand Award.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School