On Friday 7 February, Carshalton and Wallington MP, Elliot Colburn visited Carshalton College
to experience a day in the life of an Apprentice at Carshalton College in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
The Annual National Apprenticeship Week celebration brings the whole Apprenticeship community together to celebrate the impact of Apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy.
This years ‘Look Beyond’ theme celebrates the diversity and value Apprenticeships bring to all the community, highlighting the talent and energy Apprentices bring in to the workplace.
Elliot said: “It was a pleasure to visit Carshalton College during Apprenticeship Week at the start of February, and to see some of the fantastic opportunities available to young people across our area. “Apprenticeships are a great way to allow people to develop their skills and expertise in a wide range of areas, whilst also earning a wage at the same time.
“Whilst visiting Carshalton College, I spoke with apprentice brick-layers, plumbers, electricians, and gas engineers about what they see as the benefits of an apprenticeship, and how it will help them make a good start in life, giving them the security of a highly-skilled job as they leave education.
“Thank you so much to Carshalton College and the South Thames Colleges Group for inviting me, and I look forward to coming back to see how these apprentices – and future apprentices – are progressing!”
Peter Mayhew Smith, Group Principal at South Thames Colleges Group commented: “It is fantastic to see local MPs taking part in the day to day activities that we offer Apprentices, our wide range of Apprenticeships on offer at South Thames Colleges Group means there is something for everyone, providing individuals with a stepping stone to higher education or employment in their chosen career path.”
Apprenticeships are an important part of the provision on offer at Carshalton College and through our close links with employers of all size from National Companies to SMEs, we have developed Apprenticeships that meet the requirements of their industry. Carshalton College is part of the wider South Thames Colleges Group, consisting of Merton College, Kingston College and South Thames College, which supports around 1,200 Apprentices in over 20 employment sectors at any one time, from Engineering to Childcare.
Apprenticeships are available at different levels depending on the individual’s previous experience and give students the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, developing skills for work and gaining industry recognised qualifications, giving learners a head start in their career. Whilst visiting, Elliot had the chance to take part in a Plumbing workshop and talk to Apprentices about their experiences and career aspirations.
