Business leaders of the present and future came together to celebrate the launch of the North East Chamber of Commerce ‘Apprentice Greats’ – a book of 200 leaders who began their career as apprentices.
The book, sponsored by Gateshead College and Middlesbrough College, was launched by the region’s largest business membership organisation at The Greenhouse Brasserie, Gateshead College Baltic Campus, as part of NECC’s 200th year anniversary, and also marked the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week 2015.
Some of those who contributed to the book, including Tyne and Wear public transport services NEXUS, Sunderland-based manufacturer Unipres and Newcastle-based recruitment agency, Direct Recruitment, were invited to the launch alongside one of their current apprentices.
Ross Smith, NECC Director of Policy, welcomed attendees and highlighted the opportunities available to apprentices. He said: “NECC is one of the largest independent training providers in the North East and we believe apprenticeships are a vital way of introducing young people into business. If we are to continue supporting businesses within our region we must make sure young people have access to skills and development. This book shows young people what they can achieve by working hard, how far their career can go and also reminds businesses of the potential available within their workforce. The 200 ‘Apprentice Greats’ are leaders of business
in our region and this book really demonstrates the calibre of people in the North East.”
Judith Doyle, Principal and Chief Executive, Gateshead College is an advocate of apprenticeships and showed concern that only 9% of school leavers were aware there was an alternative to A-Levels.
“We’re delighted to have sponsored the ‘Apprentice Greats’ book. At Gateshead College we work closely with business leaders and local employers to understand exactly what skills and qualities employers are looking for and this really helps us increase the worth of our apprenticeships. We are able to tailor training programmes specifically to business needs.
“It is important that everyone – young people, parents, teachers and employers realise the benefits of apprenticeships and the success that can be realised through them and the Apprentice Greats book showcases some amazing people who are enjoying high-flying careers that started with such programmes.”
The messages really hit home with those attendees who are currently undertaking their apprenticeships. Adam Tatters, 23, an engineering apprentice from Unipress found himself looking for a career after leaving the armed services.
He said: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do and found myself on the assembly line. I got offered the chance to start an engineering apprenticeship and jumped at it. I can learn on the job at the same time as getting my HNC qualification. I know that if I stick at it, I’ll have a successful career in the future. It’s a great opportunity.”
Neil Blagburn, Head of Renewals, at NEXUS, began his career as an apprentice fitter and encouraged other employers to take on an apprentice.
“I think this book will help to inspire both young people and their potential employers. Our apprentices bring fresh blood into our organisation and with a bit of motivation and hard work, the world really is their oyster. Employers should realise that taking on an apprentice is an investment, not a burden. If we don’t replace the skills within our industries, they’ll be lost forever. We’re currently in the middle of an apprentice r
ecruitment drive and encourage young men and women to apply. It’d be great to overcome the gender stereotypes attached to engineering roles.”
Middlesbrough College are co-sponsored the book. Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We have seen our apprenticeship provision grow significantly in the last few years and we are now working with over 1000 employers in the region supporting them with high quality apprentices, who become a valuable asset to their businesses. Apprenticeships are a great way of young people being able to train and become work-ready through ‘on the job’ training and therefore Middlesbrough College is delighted to be supporting the NECC Apprentice Greats book which profiles and celebrates 200 of the North East’s most successful leaders who started out their working life as an apprentice”.