Our apprenticeship programmes offer the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications and great work experience, and over 200 employers use Kidderminster College to employ an apprentice.
Some of our apprentices have worked right here at college in various departments whilst working towards their apprenticeships, and all have gone on to complete their qualifications and continue to work at Kidderminster College. How have they enjoyed their apprenticeship experiences? We spoke to Justin Wheeler, Cameron Garbett, Georgia Danby and Kate Rodgers…
Justin Wheeler started an apprenticeship working at Kidderminster College as an ICT Technician whilst working towards his Level 3 Diploma in Computer and Networking Technicians. He has now achieved his qualification at Triple Grade Distinction and is a valued member of the I.T. Support Team at the college.
He said “The college has helped me to accomplish skills beyond my imagination. When I first started, I didn’t expect to be able to do what I can do today. The next step for me is to continue developing my skills and earn more specialised qualifications relating to networking.
Andy Czaicki, Training Co-ordinator & Delivery Manager, said, “Justin has worked hard and demonstrated a high level of commitment in completing his apprenticeship, resulting in his achievement of the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT at Triple Grade Distinction.”
Cameron Garbett joined the Learner Services department at college while working towards his Level 2 in Customer Service, which he has now completed. Cameron said “I am thankful to have been offered this apprenticeship by Kidderminster College as it has allowed me to meet new people and gain new skills that I can use in my future career. It has also helped to improve my confidence as a person and the apprenticeship has enabled me to do things that I didn’t think I could do.”
Kate Rodgers is an apprentice working towards Business Administration Level 2 and works in the Learner Data Services department at Kidderminster College. Kate will be continuing her apprenticeship journey, to study Business Administration at Level 3. Kate said, “Kidderminster College has given me the confidence and skills to accomplish Business Admin level 2. I have enjoyed studying business since doing BTEC Business Studies at school. My next goal is to achieve Business Admin level 3 whilst still working at the college.”
LDS Manager, Debbie Holbeche, said, “Kate joined the LDS team with some limited experience of working, but has coped with working in a demanding and deadline driven department. Kate is the missing piece into our jigsaw and the apprenticeship has given her the opportunity to work and train on-the-job. Without the apprenticeship scheme this would have not been possible and Kate would not have become such a vital member of the team.”
Georgia Danby started working at Kidderminster College as a Learner Services Advisor whilst working towards a Level 2 Customer Service apprenticeship and then continued on to the Level 3 qualification. Georgia is still enjoying her job, and said, “During my apprenticeship, I had a break in learning to go on maternity leave but I was still able to return and finish the qualification. I have since gained permanent employment at Kidderminster College and feel more confident in my ability and enjoy the challenges my job brings.”
Jennie Short, Head of Department for Apprenticeships said “We feel that our own experience of employing apprentices really does help us to support all of the employers and apprentices that we work with on a daily basis. Our own apprentices have made a huge contribution to the work of the college, and they are all seen as really valuable members of the organisation. It has been fantastic to see them develop and grow throughout their Apprenticeship programmes, and the work that they undertake whilst on their Apprenticeship is vital to the business functions of the college.”