Steve Baker MP talked about the benefits of apprenticeships and publicly thanked Amersham & Wycombe College for the work it is doing through its apprenticeships scheme.  The remarks came at a special event in Marlow last week celebrating Apprenticeship Week.

Held at the Crowne Plaza, Marlow, the occasion brought together employers, apprentices and businesses keen to know more about the college’s apprenticeship scheme.  The college principal Gill Clipson and members of the apprenticeship team were on hand and it was a great networking opportunity and a chance for potential employers to find out more about taking on an apprentice.

“Employers and apprentices are really recognising the value of closely linking training to work,” said Ms Clipson.  “An apprenticeship allows an organisation to invest in training their workforce without reducing productivity.”

The college has seen a twofold increase in the number of students studying apprenticeships in the last year – from 178 to 374.

Apprenticeships are constantly evolving to meet industry needs and Amersham & Wycombe College is already running new schemes in subject areas as diverse as digital media and costume design.

To speak to the college about apprenticeships, please call the Work-Based Training Co-ordinator on 01494 585304.

Employer and employee quotes:

IFCO Systems UK Ltd (High Wycombe office)

Apprentice: Sophie Ricketts, NVQ Level 2 Business Administration
“I finished my basic apprenticeship in Business Administration in November 2011 and started my Advanced Apprenticeship straight after.  I am hoping to progress to a foundation degree in Business Management upon completion.  I’ve learnt so much over the course of my studies and in particular communicating with customers and how different parts of the business impact on each other.  It’s really good to go straight from school into an apprenticeship as you earn while you learn and I would recommend this route to anyone.

I started here 14 months ago as an office junior and now I am running accounts for the company with major clients and there is a strong possibility I may get sponsored to do my Foundation Degree!”

Employer: Sharron Hambelton, Office Manager, IFCO Systems UK Ltd
“The Apprenticeship scheme gives us an opportunity as a local employer, to give something back to the community, with the benefit of us having a young, enthusiastic employee who we can mould to suit the requirements of the job.  At the end of the apprenticeship, Sophie will have enjoyed the experience, gained a qualification and have a permanent full time job.”

Chiltern Railways (High Wycombe)

Apprentice: Hayley McCarthy, NVQ Level 2 Customer Service
“When my Manager first approached me and asked me if I would like to do a Customer Service Apprenticeship, I was a bit unsure, but then I realised it could be really useful. I have finished the course now and am waiting for my results and have to say I can really recommend doing an Apprenticeship.  It gives you extra skills which really help you in your job; it helps you really focus and gives you the extra knowledge you need to improve your performance. It has helped me to understand exactly what is involved in giving excellent customer service and its importance for the company as a whole. What I really like about an Apprenticeship is that you learn things which you can immediately put into practice, plus the course part of the training helps you understand the whole company as well as your role in it.”

Apprentice: Tony Ridgley, NVQ Level 2 Customer Service
“I hadn’t done any form of studying since university, so I was a bit nervous to start with, but the tutor from the college explained it so well that I decided to go for it. I am really glad I did – you need to be committed to do it, but the rewards are really good; I am proud of what I am achieving in my qualification and in my job.”

Employer: Rob Munday, Chiltern Railways Manager
“The college approached us initially to offer their services and, as excellent customer service forms an integral part of Chiltern Railways’ approach, we jumped at the chance to offer the Apprenticeship to our customer facing employees. The training increases their knowledge, but it is also an important validation of our employees’ status as professionals whose work is highly valued by the company – although the NVQ is hard work, the team finds it really motivating. From a company standpoint an Apprenticeship is really good value for money; it is a really effective way of improving our employee’s skills without losing productivity.”