TT2 Limited, the operators of the Tyne Tunnels, is celebrating the success of two of its apprentices, who have completed their current NVQ training.
The company, that has attracted and supported apprentices for more than 12 years, recently presented two apprentice tunnel officers, Daniel Parkin and Mackenzie Sharpe, with BTEC Level 2 Diplomas in Customer Service, delivered in partnership with Tyne Met College. Customer services representative Bridy Broadhurst has also achieved her BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Customer Services.
Daniel and Mackenzie will now undertake a NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Road Tunnel Operations, a qualification pioneered by employees at TT2. Tyne Tunnel staff were the first to achieve this diploma, which is independently verified by ProQual and endorsed by the Road Tunnel Association.
Shaun Simmons, Business Support Officer at TT2 Limited, said: “TT2 is delighted to have supported apprenticeship programmes for more than 12 years. Out of the ten apprentices we have supported, five have gone on to secure full time positions, and four are currently on the programme.
“We recognise that the academic route is not for everyone, and running and maintaining the Tyne Tunnels requires a unique set of skills. The apprenticeship programme allows us to build these skills through hands on experience and training.
“We are proud to have a skilled and experienced workforce, who see working with TT2 as a career for life rather than just a job. Daniel, Mackenzie and Bridy have achieved a great deal in a short space of time, and we are excited to see how far they’ll go in the future.”
Daniel Parkin said: “The customer service training has been incredibly valuable and I use it every day. I have supported and offered assistance to our customers using the tunnel, out on the tolls and helping them when any problems arise, and the training has helped me to deliver a great service.”
Mackenzie Sharpe said: “This training has really helped me to understand the finer details of what it takes to be a tunnel officer and hope it will lead to full time, permanent employment with TT2.”