Top Apprentices rewarded at Bicton College

14/02/2012 - The achievements of apprentices from across Devon and beyond were celebrated and recognised at a special awards ceremony.

Helen France and Hannah Sinclair

Bicton College top Animal Care Apprentice

 

Certificates and special awards were presented to over 30 Bicton College apprentices who have shown outstanding achievement in such diverse occupations as Floristry and Service Engineering. The group completed their training between October and December 2011, and many have already progressed to the next qualification level.

Top Animal Care apprentice Hannah Sinclair, 22 from Crediton has set up a mobile dog grooming business since completing her training. Hannah said, ‘I had a taste of dog grooming as part of my apprenticeship training at Bicton College and realised that was what I really wanted to do. I’m very grateful to my apprenticeship employer, Alison Parker of Trelawn Boarding Kennels, who helped me get the business set up.’ Short bark and sides is based around the South Molton area and bookings can be made on 07704 667107.

Michael West, 21 from Combe Martin has continued his top student tradition, following up his Foundation Engineering Diploma award with top Apprentice in Level 2 Land-based Service Engineering, while working for Blakewell Services, Muddiford. His boss at the time, Richard Tanton, recognised Mike’s abilities and soon gave him the responsibility of working on site jobs with his own van. Course tutor Paul Turner said, ‘Mike’s goal was to achieve his level 2 so he could get some overseas experience. He successfully completed on time and jetted off to New Zealand were he had already secured a work placement for the harvest season.’

Bicton College’s continued success in delivering apprenticeships was highlighted by Alan Johnson, Head of the Business and Professional Skills Academy, who said, ‘We have one of the highest achievement rates for apprentices in the South West, currently around 86%, and are very proud of these young people who have received their awards. We continue to work closely with employers, who play such a vital role in supporting those achievements’’

Helen France, Head of Business Development at the National Apprenticeship Service addressed employers, students and their families prior to awarding certificates. Helen said, “These apprentices all made the right choice of qualification, and advanced apprentices will benefit by earning up to £100,000 extra in their lifetime because they have received vocational training and learned real skills through their apprenticeships in an industry context . They will soon have the opportunity to take this vocational route right up to university level as we progress with apprenticeships at Levels 4, 5 and 6.”

Apprentices, employers and guests enjoyed a buffet of local Devon food and drink.