Apprenticeships

Case Studies

Kirsty - Bathroom Engineering
Kirsty has only been an Apprentice for three months, but has already made her mark at Bathroom Engineerin, a specialist wholesale supplier of bathroom products. 'I decided on an Apprenticeship as I wanted to work but also get some training. I figured that whatever job you go for there's always someone who's more qualified. I go to College one morning a week for my NVQ and also to the Learning Centre for Sage and ECDL. It's great to get stuck in, you can't take a back seat as there's so much going on. I even made up my own training plan of what I need to learn every week!' As a result, Kirsty has passed her technical certificate and almost completed her NVQ 2. 'I feel valued, confident with what I'm doing and part of the team.'

Kirsty's employer, R.D. Sigi Herring, who owns Bathroom Engineering, started from scratch in 2003. Steadily building his business, he realised he needed additional help and started looking into the idea of an Apprentice. 'I found the work based learning team at Norton Radstock College and they helped explain my options, and get things moving. Within the first couple of weeks it was clear that Kirsty was going to bring a lot to the company. Her youthfulness and desire to suceed was very clear. She quickly picked things up that are usually done by more experienced staff and I now feel confident that basic enquiries and daily operations will be dealt with professionally. Most important of all, if you put 100% in, you get 100% back and that’s what Kirsty has done. I’m now planning to recruit a second Apprentice!'


Nick - Brixey Auto Repairs
Nick has been an Apprentice at Brixey Auto Repairs for almost a year. I've been interested in cars from an early age and went to Norton Radstock College on day release from school. Being an Apprentice is great experience, I would say 'go for it' to anyone who’s considering it. I get to work on cars all day long with a great bunch of people. Every Friday I go to College, where everything is explained in detail. That really adds to my knowledge of what I'm doing at work.'

Nick's employer, Nick Brixey, Proprietor of Brixey Auto Repairs, has been emloying Apprentices for almost 20 years. 'One of our employees, Ben, has just completed his Apprenticeship and is now doing his BOSCH Master Technician training in London. The College really pushes them and gives them something to work towards. That historic thing about Apprentices making the tea and brushing up are long gone. I take on Apprentices who have already had some training at the College and I know I can let them get on with jobs in the workplace. Support from the College is excellent with regular visits that focus on on the Apprentice’s progress and motivation.'