NEWSLETTER
WELCOME
In this edition, we will be shining a light on apprenticeships. We have a round up from National Apprenticeship Week which celebrates apprenticeships across different industries and showcases what hiring an apprentice, and supporting the next generation, could look like. Plus, we have met with apprentices from Taylor Wimpey Ltd and Vasstech Garage Services who have successfully completed their apprenticeships and will be progressing onto the next level of their training.
You can also read about our recent Signing of the Steel event for the NETA-led All Access Academy and how our own Redcar and Cleveland College team signed up for the Carbon Capture Skills Bootcamp for their own CPD.
Finally, we are excited to announce we will be hosting our inaugural Etc. For Business Expo in June 2025! This will be a great event where businesses can network and make the most of a selection of informative workshops. Read more to find out how you can sign up to exhibit at our Expo or book your place to attend and network.
NETA ALL ACCESS ACADEMY - SIGNING OF THE STEEL EVENT
We recently celebrated a key milestone in the £4.7m All Access Academy build.
Members of the Etc. leadership team, along with the Britcon (UK) Limited team and guests joined together on a sunny afternoon for the 'signing of the Steel' event at Redcar and Cleveland College.
The new NETA-led development will tackle skills gaps by bringing greater opportunities to train in the likes of scaffolding, rope access, rigging and lifting, and welding, to Redcar and Cleveland.
Thank you to Cllr Alex Brown, Cllr Lynn Pallister, and Sarah Phillips (NASC, CSIRS) who attended and signed the steel for their respective organisations.
CONNOR’S ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
When Connor was younger, he would watch his dad fix cars on the drive at home and gradually started to help as he got old enough. This hands-on experience sparked a deep interest in the world of motor vehicle.
Connor’s passion naturally led to studying a full-time motor vehicle course at Stockton Riverside College. This was where he met Dave Hobson, course leader for motor vehicle, and the wider motor vehicle team who offered the support needed to begin making strides towards starting a career in the industry.
Connor said: “When I was studying my course at college, Dave told us about local employers and Vasstech was mentioned. I decided to walk into Vasstech to see if it were somewhere I could get some work experience. I took my dad with me as I was only 15 at the time. They agreed to give me a shot and offered me a week’s placement at their garage.”
It was after his week’s work experience, when Vasstech had been so impressed by Connor’s passion and enthusiasm, that they offered him an opportunity to do a Level 2 Autocare Apprenticeship with them, marking the beginning of Connor’s professional journey.
Abi Ankers, the branch manager at Vasstech, spoke highly of Connor and his work ethic. “It is important for us to shape our workforce with the company values in mind. Our customers are so important to us, service and safety is everything,” she said.
“We have been very lucky securing Connor as our apprentice. He has a good mentality and is keen to learn. Connor helped with collecting customer cars in the beginning, which is a service that sets the tone for our customers from the first point of contact. He has advanced so much over the years and has become invaluable to us during busy periods with keeping on top of demand.”
Connor is thriving in the role and growing in confidence. So much so that when asked about his favourite job to date, he told us he likes to take on bigger jobs and spoke of replacing an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve) on a relatively new Crafter van, a task that some other team members have yet to tackle.
Abi admitted, “I often have to remind myself that Connor is an apprentice. He has already become such an asset to the team.”
For Connor, his next steps will be to continue his training with Vasstech and progress onto the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. In his spare time, he and his dad will be working on fixing up a track car to drive. He even admitted to having big dreams of opening his own garage in California one day.
On his decision to study at Stockton, Connor told us: “Stockton Riverside College was my college of choice and without Dave, I would not be where I am now. The new motor vehicle facility has improved so much, it is a good place to learn.”
Abi seconded that by saying: “Hopefully the new facilities at Stockton will drive more interest in the industry and create a broad talent pool of keen prospective employees.”
Dave Hobson said: “Our motor vehicle team at the college work hard to support new talent in the industry. It’s a team effort and we are all proud to see our students like Connor taking their next steps into employment and receiving such high praise from Vasstech.”
Sam Colman, business development coordinator at the Etc., said: “The facilities at Stockton set us apart from other colleges and we would encourage employers to get in touch with us for a tour of the motor vehicle set up and a discussion around skills shortages and recruitment support for businesses.”
DATE: WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE | TIME: 10AM - 2PM
LOCATION: STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
Event Information
Join us for an exciting event where you will have the opportunity to promote your business, advertise any available vacancies, and expand your network. This is a fantastic chance to connect with other businesses, gain valuable insights, and attend informative workshops led by expert guest speakers. SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR FIRST
Attend FREE workshops and enjoy our complimentary lunch buffet!
CAREER PROGRESSION FOR TAYLOR WIMPEY JOINERY APPRENTICES
After completing their 24-month Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship, three Taylor Wimpey apprentices are progressing onto their Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery qualification which will extend their training for another 15 months.
Taylor Wimpey is known for building high-quality homes across the UK and with that comes a large demand for a skilled workforce.
Mandy Mann, Direct Trades Manager at Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, told us: “We regularly have an intake of apprentices within the business. Hiring apprentices is good for the future as we look to fill areas where there is a skills gap.”
Bradley, a 26-year-old apprentice and father of two, said: “Before the apprenticeship, I was doing work as a bartender, in warehousing, and retail, and then I found the apprenticeship online. I was set on finding a joinery apprenticeship due to the hands-on nature of the role and, having two small kids at home, joinery work would financially support my family.”
Lewis, age 20, had a different route into his apprenticeship, he said: “I heard about the role from a tutor whilst I was a full-time joinery student at the college. I knew my next steps would be to find a joinery apprenticeship, there was no plan B.”
Simon, age 21, studied A level Biology, Business, and Psychology before his successful application for the apprenticeship. He said: “I was very academic, but I didn’t enjoy classroom learning, or the thought of working in an office environment. It was hands-on work that I was drawn to, despite not having family with a working trade background.”
The three apprentices are doing their off-the-job training with Stockton Riverside College, one day a week, where they can make full use of the facilities. The course itself covers preparing and fixing building components, from the initial erection of a new building,
through to the installation of all necessary fixtures and fittings, as well as a range of repair and maintenance activities.
When asked about the tutors, Simon said: “They’re spot on. They’re very supportive and I can reach out to them when I am not at college by phone with any questions that I have.”
Despite being primarily interested in the role due to the hands-on nature, it seems they have benefitted from their apprenticeship in other ways too. Lewis noted: “The apprenticeship has been a massive confidence builder for me, it’s brought me out of my shell more.”
Similarly, Simon added: “My communication has improved from dealing with colleagues and also with customers on the job.”
Recognising the international prospects that come with working for Taylor Wimpey, Brad said “In 10 years’ time, once I have built my skills and knowledge, I would love to transfer to Taylor Wimpey Scotland, or even Canada, and take my family with me.”
Michael Thompson, Joinery Lecturer/Assessor at the college, said: “It’s great to see Brad, Lewis, and Simon thriving. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to developing their skills have been truly commendable.
“A key part of their success has been the invaluable mentorship and support received throughout their apprenticeship. The guidance from their on-site team at Taylor Wimpey including mentors and site managers, alongside the fantastic management support from Mandy, has played a crucial role in shaping their practical abilities.
“They are now looking to progress their skills and expertise within the trade by doing their level 3 qualification. This continued development will enable them to take on more complex work and strengthen their contributions on-site. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their careers.”
To discuss hiring a joinery apprentice, please email: connor.greet@the-etc.ac.uk
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK (NAW) 2025 ROUND UP
National Apprenticeship Week is a busy week for employers who are celebrating their own apprentices and attending the range of events across the region to look for the next generation of talented employees.
Therefore, we have rounded up apprentice spotlights from some of our learners studying business administration, bricklaying, electrical, and operations qualifications across the group.
INNERSUMMIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Aspiring Leaders Empowered by Apprenticeship Programme.
Go to: www.linkedin.com/pulse/aspiring-leadersempowered-apprenticeship-dlfje/
Or if you’re viewing digitally please click below.
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHTS
Read about our Redcar and Cleveland College 2024 Apprentice of the Year.
Go to: www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/reflectingon-2024-hear-from-our-apprentice-of-the-year
Or if you’re viewing digitally please click below.
NETA TRAINING
Hear from our Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprentice, Ella.
Go to: www.facebook.com/share/ v/1BXoRqB1pJ/
Or if you’re viewing digitally please click below.
STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
Meet Bricklaying Apprentices, Mason and Flynn.
Go to: www.facebook.com/share/v/12LnmN9xcQx/
Or if you’re viewing digitally please click opposite.
SKILLS BOOTCAMP: INDUSTRY EXPERTS EMBRACE MODERN METHODS IN
RENEWABLE ENERGY
A cohort of industry expert tutors at Redcar and Cleveland College have risen to the challenge of Net Zero 2050 and put their own knowledge to the test by completing the OPITO Introduction to Carbon Capture Storage course.
This initiative highlights further the college’s commitment to Net Zero by putting its staff through the newest training in the renewable and low-carbon sectors.
In May 2023, the college opened its cutting-edge £3.2m Clean Energy Education Hub, which sees the delivery of key courses in the rapidly expanding green skills sector. Courses include retrofit, carbon capture, hydrogen technologies, EV charging, solar PV installation, air source heat pump installation and maintenance, industrial mechanical, and electrical training.
Emma Booth, Head of Construction, Engineering and Service Industries at the college, highlighted the importance of advancing the college’s educational mission. She said: “The Clean Energy Education Hub is a state-ofthe-art facility which supports various learners, from school leavers to apprentices and businesses, to upskill and learn more about the growing renewable and low carbon sector and develop specialist skills.
“Tees Valley is expected to create thousands of new, highquality jobs in the renewables sector and here at Redcar and Cleveland College we are leading the way in developing a new low carbon energy skills curriculum.
“Our team is encouraged by new developments in green skills training and in order to best serve our community,
students, and employers, we embarked on industry standard training in carbon capture. This enables staff to have a clear awareness of the changing industrial landscape and highlight the brilliant training our Clean Energy Education Hub can offer regionally and nationally to prospective students and organisations.”
Among those who took part in the OPITO training was Brian, an engineering lecturer at the college. Brian expressed his enthusiasm for the experience, saying: “The Skills Bootcamp was something I really wanted to do; it was a free upskilling opportunity for me to learn about how the industry is changing and modern methods.”
Kelly Skeet, Adult Skills Manager, explained: “Skills Bootcamps are a cost-effective way to upskill existing employees to enable them to progress within the company and improve their career prospects as well as enabling the employer to sustain and grow their business.
“Employers can save up to 90% on the cost price of a course by delivering it through a Skills Bootcamp, which is a government initiative as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life.”
Jacob Tribe, Business Development Manager, expressed the Etc.’s commitment to supporting businesses, he said: “For businesses looking to upskill their team members but are unsure which route would be best to take, we are available to meet, conduct a training needs analysis and identify skills gaps. We recognise that every business is different, and we can work together to develop skills training that will futureproof operations as industries evolve.”
With the rapid growth of digital technologies and shifting consumer trends, having a strong digital marketing strategy is more important than ever.
As this space continues to evolve, and we see growth in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), businesses need to adapt to stay competitive.
Our Level 3 ICT apprenticeship and Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship can support businesses who are looking to boost their digital presence and increase brand awareness by staying on top of the latest digital trends and technologies.
To learn more about our digital apprenticeship offer and associated funding, email joanne.wallace@the-etc.ac.uk.
