Skills Minister Nick Boles and Richard Drax MP joined Weymouth College at a reception and presentation on Friday 18th March – the culmination of a week of activities at the college in support of National Apprenticeship Week.
A visit to apprentices on Portland
Before visiting the Cranford Avenue Campus, Mr Drax joined College staff in a visit to Portland-based engineering company PGT Ceewrite. Aworld-class UK engineering business, specialising in manufacturing precision machined and superfinished, high tolerance, small to medium sized complex metal parts for leading OEMs and supply chain companies in the defence, aerospace, motorsport and industrial markets, PGT Ceewrite currently have 11 apprenticeships with Weymouth College in disciplines including machining, manufacturing and business administration.
Richard spent time with both staff and apprentices on the factory floor, looking at product ranges and manufacturing methods and engaging and discussing specific programme structures with individual apprentices.
“It was an absolute pleasure to visit this dynamic and expanding engineering company on Portland. I particularly enjoyed my tour and meeting both staff and apprentices. I cannot praise the company enough for nurturing 11 apprentices, which of course is the message we are spreading to business all this week. They are in good hands, working in an exciting and challenging business which is planning to move to a new site, with more investment in both machinery and people. And the fact these opportunities are all happening on Portland really is the icing on the cake.”
Reception and Presentation in support of National Apprenticeship Week
Skills Minister Nick Boles was pleased to join Richard at an afternoon reception at Weymouth College’s HIX Academy where many local employers and business leaders
joined with college staff to discuss apprenticeships and the opportunities they offer both now and in the future.
The reception was followed by a presentation to highlight and recognise the very valuable role of apprenticeships in Dorset for local companies, students and the local economy. Skills Minister Nick Boles addressed the presentation outlining his committed and determined support for Apprenticeships and their role in the working and learning environment in 2016 and beyond:
“National Apprenticeship Week is about showcasing how apprenticeships are the best of the best. I want to shine a light on the amazing opportunities institutions like Weymouth College have to offer.
“Apprenticeships are about opportunity – the opportunity for young people to kick start their careers. That’s why we are committed to creating 3 million more apprenticeships by 2020.”
Welcoming guests and Mr Boles and Mr Drax, Weymouth College Principal and Chief Executive Nigel Evans said:
“We are delighted to welcome the Skills Minister to Weymouth College. We have worked closely with Richard Drax in developing this, our third year, of the Apprenticeship Fair. Richard always pulls out the stops for Weymouth College, having brought down Lord Digby Jones for two years running for the keynote speech. This year he has hit the jackpot in bringing down Nick Boles. After the journey that the College has been on for the past eighteen months, we take Mr Boles’ visit as a symbol of how positively the College is currently viewed by senior politicians.
“Apprenticeship provision at Weymouth College has significantly increased over the past year as we fulfil our aim to become the provider of choice for meeting the skills and training needs in Dorset.”
Weymouth College Apprentice of the Year Award 2016
Richard Drax was particularly pleased to be able to present Lauren Viney with the Weymouth College Apprentice of the Year Award 2016. A business administration student, Lauren has been undertaking an apprenticeship with Dorset Police.
Stewart Smith, Personnel Manager at Dorset Police said “Lauren’s attitude to her colleagues and her work is positive and refreshing; she always has a smile on her face even when under pressure and always completes tasks within the required time-frame.
“She has received praise from other colleagues in the Force for her efficiency and will always go the extra mile to satisfy her customers’ requirements remaining impartial and objective.
“The time Lauren has spent with us has been an overwhelming success and it has been a complete pleasure having her as part of the Personnel Team in HR. Thank you Lauren for your hard work and commitment, your award is well deserved.”
The unique and inspirational Apprentice of the Year glass award was designed and created by Notarianni Glass, award winning contemporary glass designers based in Poundbury. Weymouth College would like to reiterate their sincere thanks to Notarianni Glass for their support in the sponsorship of the Apprentice of the Year Award 2016.
