Student Apprentices celebrate in Norfolk
For the past 8 years Norfolk sixth formers have had the opportunity to take part in an apprenticeship programmes whilst still remaining at school. The Student Apprenticeship programme was piloted in the late 90’s in the Midlands and by 2001 three pilot areas in the UK was set up – Norfolk being one such pilot area.
Student Apprentices celebrate in Norfolk
For the past 8 years Norfolk sixth formers have had the opportunity to take part in an apprenticeship programmes whilst still remaining at school. The Student Apprenticeship programme was piloted in the late 90’s in the Midlands and by 2001 three pilot areas in the UK was set up – Norfolk being one such pilot area.
Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS) manage a consortium of independent providers, college and local authority WBL providers delivering this programme to school sixth forms across Norfolk.
In 2001 we started with 15 students and 3 schools and today that has grown to over 100 applicants last year, 15 schools and sixth forms and a 91% success rate. Staying on rates at school increased with students then moving onto apprenticeship programmes, college courses and other employment after finishing the one or two year programme
Each student apprentice spends 3 days in the sixth form working towards either A levels, BTecs etc then one day with a WBL provider working towards an Level 2 qualification in a variety of vocational areas and one day in a work placement. All student apprentices have a mentor and the programme is coordinated by Steph Middleton an IAG specialist and mentor based at BCTS. There are over 15 vocational areas on offer and the centre is working with a number of schools to ensure that the programme complements the new 14-19 Diploma’s by providing relevant work related learning and experience.
The consortium meet regularly with representatives from Children’s Services and the LSC who support the programme, there is an electronic newsletter sent out to all participants and each year an Awards Evening is held to celebrate success.
Student Apprenticeship Award Evening 2008/9
BCTS held a very successful awards evening at the Dramus Theatre, CNS school, to celebrate the achievements of young learners completing their Student Apprenticeship programme.
Prizes and certificates were given out, cake and coffee were eaten, photographs taken, radio celebrities presented and we even had a “bit of passion” from the Garage Dance Group!
Everybody enjoyed the evening - especially when they won prizes and had their photograph taken with Rob and Chrissie from Radio Broadland. Fred Corbett, Deputy Director of Children’s Services and the Deputy Chairman from Broadland were also present. We were lucky enough to have some companies sponsor the Award evening, and provide book tokens and cinema tickets as prizes. The refreshments were from Kettle Chips, Wilkinson Tea & Coffee and other prizes from the Odeon Riverside and Waterstones at the UEA.
Student of the Year - Becky Hills
Becky studied Sport and Leisure NVQ 2 with Karl Chapman from Easton College at Sheringham School. Karl commented that, “from the beginning of the course Becky was a really good student to work with. Although she comes across as quiet, she is determined and was very thorough in both her work placement and at the sessions held at Sheringham. She has gradually built up her portfolio to an excellent standard with a wide range of evidence gathered in her placement and through working well during the training sessions. Becky has always listened carefully and done everything asked of her to achieve a very high standard of work. As with other students, Becky has found the work difficult at times, with all the other pressures of life and school work, however she has always asked for help and overcomes these issues. Having students such as Becky makes my job worthwhile because you know you have genuinely helped someone who wants to achieve.”
Special awards were given to the following students;
Most Valued Team Member – Chris Parson
All Round Achievement – Megan Burgess
Consistent Hard Work & Achievement – Alix Pudwell
Personal Achievement – Kelly Barr
Commitment – Kara Lane
For further details on the programme please contact Sharon Money or Steph Middleton on sharon.money@broadland.gov.uk or stephanie.middleton@broadland.gov.uk
