Programme helps motivate and develop individuals

(This an extract from the first of a double feature that was featured in the Winter ‘05 edition of Aim Higher... ON TARGET, the University of Luton’s magazine about Further Education)

 

THE benefits of building professional skills by taking up an apprenticeship are well known.  What is less well known is the opportunities an apprenticeship can give those keen on building on their education. Take Leigh Mills, 23, from Farnham, who is studying for a BA in Digital Screen Arts at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College, after completing an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, delivered by Bedfordshire based Eclipse Training, run by Donna Barry and Val Colley.  We talk to Leigh and Donna about why it is good to ‘earn while you learn’.

 

 

Tell us about Eclipse Training.

We are a small training provider delivering Administration and Customer Service apprenticeships and commercial training to approximately 55 students. We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and have forged excellent working relationships with employers in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.

 

What makes apprenticeships special?

The tag line for apprenticeships used to be ‘earn and learn’ because they provide young people with the opportunity to gain valuable skills in the workplace while earning. I am passionate about how beneficial they are both to  companies and individuals. The programme focuses young people on not just their particular job role, but their company and the industry that they work in as a whole. It encourages them to look beyond their day-to-day tasks and to think about what impact their work has on others. At the same time it promotes the importance of good working relationships and is designed to motivate and develop individuals.

 

What are the benefits of having an apprentice?

Apprentices can be of huge benefit to a company. They are keen, ready to take on new challenges and eager to prove what they can do – and they often bring a fresh perspective to their tasks.

 

What support do you provide for your apprentices?

We tailor our apprenticeships to suit the needs of both the company and the apprentice – and provide ongoing support, training and

guidance throughout their training programme. We operate an open-door approach and we are never more than a phone call away.

The support we offer differs from person to person, but we make it clear that we are never more than a phone call away and that they

can contact us at any time.

 

What would you say to employers who may not yet be convinced of the benefits of having an apprentice?

Let me come and see you!