Apprentices head for the great outdoors to build up team skills
CAMPING in the Welsh countryside is not something people would associate with the work of an apprentice.
But for a group of youngsters at a Nottingham training provider, that’s exactly what they are about to do.
Twenty-four apprentices from Webs Furniture Training Ltd are heading to Aberdovey for an eight-day course aimed at developing and enhancing their individual and teamworking skills.
The group head out on the trip tomorrow. They will be taking part in a number of point-scoring tasks, including orienteering, sea swimming and high ropes.
The course is completely funded and designed by Webs and forms part of apprenticeship training with the company, which has backed the Post’s Get Notts Working campaign.
It is looking for companies to step forward and pledge to take on apprentices and allow more young people to experience their benefits.
Peter Sisson, training director at Webs, will be leading the group on their trip.
He said: “I truly believe it changes their outlook on life and work, and for some it can be a life-changing experience.
“For many of the apprentices it’s the first time they’ve spent any time away from home and away from their mobile and TV, so it really does take them out of their comfort zone and push them to the limits.
“Everyone returns to their apprenticeship training with a renewed vigour and belief in their abilities.”
Roby Ellis, 18, of Aspley, who is doing a Level 2 NVQ in kitchen fitting, will be one of those on the trip.
He said: “I think it will bring us all closer together as a team as we’ll be working with people we don’t normally work with and I’m sure this will make the workshop more efficient when we get back.”
Terry Gent, 22, of Bestwood, who is on an advanced apprenticeship in fitted furniture, said: “The only time I’ve done anything like this was on a school trip years ago. Trips like this are expensive so it’s great to be given the opportunity to go and do something different that I couldn’t afford to do myself.”
Webs Furniture Training Ltd is a national provider of apprentice and adult training for the furniture and associated industries, with learners working towards gaining City & Guilds and NVQ qualifications.
The Post is encouraging firms to take on apprentices through the Get Notts Working campaign. We have already smashed through the first target of creating 100 apprenticeships in 100 days and we are urging more companies to step forward and take on an apprentice.
The campaign is a partnership between the Post, Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, local councils and major local companies, like Laing O’Rourke.
Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager
Mobile: 07540 704920
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