Daniel brushes up his skills

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UNTIL March 13, National Apprenticeship Week celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they can have on individuals and the wider economy. The Evening Chronicle is telling the story of a select few apprentices and former apprentices who have studied at Oldham College.

DANIEL is studying towards his Level 2 diploma in painting and decorating.

He said: “I really enjoy it here. We’re always busy, so I’m learning a lot.”

As well as painting and decorating, Daniel also updates his skills in English and maths: “Maths comes in really handy for measurements of walls and doors, to help with calculating paint and wallpaper quantities!

“When we have the block learning sessions we cover lots of different areas, from spray painting to how to apply decorative effects such as marble or woodgrain. The lessons are good; you cover such a lot in the modules, from how to mix and blend colours to work with gloss and the importance of preparation.

“I want to be a decorator as it’s something I enjoy. I’d recommend anyone to come to Oldham College as it’s one of the best places to learn painting and decorating.

“As an apprentice here, I’m learning on the job, being paid and getting used to what the workplace will be like.”

Dave Harland, Oldham College’s painting and decorating team leader, said: “My role is to lead a team of five painting and decorating apprentices who do all the paintwork around college as well as some external work when it comes up.

He added: “This is the second year that I’ve done this role which I’m really enjoying. It’s brilliant to see young people develop their skills and benefit from hands-on training.

“What’s unique about the college is that they work here as though they are in the real world. In a classroom, they would be working on boards and sheets, whereas working in college they are painting and papering full rooms, even whole buildings - recently they painted the building housing the faculty of sport, travel and public services.”

The college’s 12-month apprenticeship course provides them with an understanding of what it’s like at work. Apprentices are treated as they would be by any employer and work five days a week, 8am-5pm.

Oldham College also helps to find jobs for its apprentices.

Dave said: “The apprentices only get jobs if we think they are satisfactory. We can’t offer them a job at the college, but we have lots of contacts with local firms. If they put in the effort, demonstrate good behaviour and timekeeping and pass their diploma NVQ 2, we’ll put their name forward to local employers and help them to find a job.”

Corporal’s Army ambassador role

AN Oldham soldier is helping to highlight the British Army’s apprenticeship programme as part of National Apprentice Week.

Corporal Daniel Ackrill (26) has been chosen as an ambassador for the programme, which offers a range of opportunities across 47 Army apprenticeship schemes.

Around 20,000 people are currently going through the schemes, with more than 5,500 apprentices set to complete their training this year alone.

Cpl Ackrill, who is training for a Level 2 NVQ in engineering maintenance, said: “Before joining the Army I had only GCSEs — now I am on an apprenticeship programme where I am training towards an NVQ.

“My qualification will be recognised by civilian companies so it’s reassuring to know the training I’m receiving is for life, not just for the Army.

“The Army gives you the opportunity to travel the world and meet some amazing people along the way. Deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan have been the proudest moments of my life.”

As part of his ambassador role, Cpl Ackrill attended a celebratory event led by the Adjutant General, which brought together apprentices from across the country.

Brigadier John Ogden, director of operations at the Army Recruiting Group, said: “The Army provides world-class training in a range of exciting roles. Our apprentices get unrivalled opportunities to travel the world, take part in adventurous training and earn a good wage, while benefiting from a high level of personal investment and training that very few other employers can provide.”

Information: www.army.mod.uk/jobs, search Army Apprenticeships or call 0845-600 8080.