Celebrating Apprenticeship success at MidKent College

MidKent College, a Patron of Kent Invicta Chamber, specialises in apprenticeships where students get the chance to ‘earn while they learn’ at intermediate, advanced, and higher levels. The College always enjoys celebrating the achievements of its apprentices.

For November 2023, the apprentice of the month award has gone to Dylan Hopper who is an apprentice on the engineering operative standard and works for metal fabrications company Blackburn Ltd.

His manager, Mark Blackburn said: “We are thrilled with the progress Dylan is making and delighted he has been recognised as Apprentice of the Month. His dedication, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn have made him an integral part of our team already. We’re incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see how he continues to grow and excel.”

For Mid Kent College, his tutor Mark Slight said: “Dylan likes to ask questions in both theory and practical sessions. He likes to be stretched in new techniques and listens to the advice given to him. In the workplace again he is very proactive when I see him on visits. He is a deserved candidate for this award as he has put a lot of time and effort into the course. It has been a pleasure to see him advance in his skills and knowledge, which has also seen him Pass his 1st Exam unit 218 in Manual Welding with a good grade. (80%).”

Dylan said: “I’m very surprised but honoured at the same time for being acknowledged as apprentice of the month and I will continue to try my best and improve all my skills and knowledge as time goes on and I’ll continue to take others advice and learn. Working for my company is quite enjoyable due to the work environment that I’m in where everyone tries to help each other out when and if they can.

We do a wide variety of jobs and with each, I learn something new. When I get something,

I’ve not done before it allows me to challenge myself and my colleagues come over and give me tips or a different method I could have used to help out in the future.”

Any employers who would like to learn more about how they could improve recruitment or enhance the skills of existing employees can get more information at www.midkent.ac.uk/apprenticeships.

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