National Apprenticeship Week 2024

As part of National Apprenticeship Week we hosted visits from Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Marco Longhi MP, and Shelagh Legrave CBE, the FE Commissioner.  Not only did they come to give their support for the place Apprenticeships have to play in the skills landscape, but they came to look at how our curriculum is supporting green skills and the T level rollout.  

Amanda spent several hours in Advance II talking to apprentices at all levels:  including air-conditioning and refrigeration apprentices with tutor Chris Clamp and electrical apprentices with tutor Simon Loveland. Leon Vincent’s level 3 apprenticeship group also took part in a Q&A activity with the Minister where they quizzed her on the future of apprenticeships and how we support more people to pursue careers in these industries. Amanda loved engaging with the students and having a go at a range of practical skills. She was particularly impressed with the links with employers we have and had the opportunity to talk to Lyndon Staples the Regional sales manager form Fieldpiece, who work closely with the College, supplying equipment so that students can develop their skills on the latest industry kit. 

Commenting on her visit The minister said: “I have visited a number of colleges as part of the National Apprenticeship Week and have been really impressed with the Dudley College Advance centre. It is a very impressive building and the range of trades and skills being taught with state-of-the-art equipment and tutors who are committed to bringing them through ready for the world of work, which they are already experiencing in many cases

“This is traditionally a region steeped in heavy industry but employers and apprentices are embracing new ways of working for the future.

” We exchanged with them some really good ideas about the government’s green initiatives around net zero such as the use of energy saving technology and new ways of working and they were very open to them. “

Neil Thomas Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College said: “It is always good to welcome external stakeholders to the college, so they can meet with our marvellous staff and students. As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the West Midlands, it’s only right we celebrate National Apprenticeship week by showcasing some of the apprenticeship programmes we offer in areas that will contribute to reducing global warming, through the appliance of new technology. ”

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