The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Kevin Shaw, Keith Rayner and the awards winners from Princes Ltd.

ENGINEERING apprentices from the Isle campus of the College of West Anglia celebrated their achievement at an awards ceremony held at the Boathouse in Wisbech.

The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Simon Jones from Crown Packaging plc.

The apprentices were accompanied by their employers, assessors and tutors to celebrate their success.

Twelve engineering students completed their advanced level apprenticeship programmes between January 2012 and December 2012 at the college. The students achieved a 2-4 year apprenticeship in a variety of engineering disciplines ranging from electronics, fabrication and welding to electrical and mechanical maintenance.

Susie Massen, head of apprenticeships, said: “Many have since progressed onto a higher national certificate (HNC) sponsored by their employers as part of their continued professional development.

“This event was aimed to highlight the apprentices’ success in achievement of a complex and demanding framework of qualifications throughout a 2-4 year programme.

The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Nicholas Lee from Princes Ltd.

“Although engineering remains a skills shortage area, employers are becoming aware of the skills gap and are investing heavily to maintain the future growth and development of their businesses”.

She added: “Many of our apprentices will progress and develop specialisms with their employers and with the right level of encouragement we can raise aspirations and show how engineering can offer a real career path for young people.”