College of West Anglia staff take to the production line and go back to school as part of National Apprenticeship Week

Ella Jackson and Stephen Lowery with year 5 and 6 students at Gorefield Primary. PHOTO: Hannah Tuck (Image: Archant)

Staff, including Principal David Pomfrett, joined apprentices in their workplaces to get a real taste of learning whilst earning.

Andrew Gedge, head of faculty for sport, public and caring services, visited Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK in Wisbech and joined CWA apprentices Callum Ogden and Joe Bown on the production line as an engineering apprentice, while head of faculty for technology, Stephen Lowery, went back to the classroom to join level 2 apprentice Ella Jackson as a teaching assistant at Gorefield Primary School.

Mr Gedge said: “Working with Joe and Callum has been an excellent reminder of the importance of this government agenda. High quality apprenticeships and technical qualifications are critical to the local economy and employers to ensure they can thrive in this modern British economy.

“Both of our apprentices at Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK have reminded me what the college does so well and how we are a key partner in this to facilitate preparing young people to meet the skills demands now and in the future.

“Observing the skills and practices of the two apprenticeships is a justification of the huge investment the college has made into ensuring our students are current and equipped to enter the workplace.

Mr Lowery said: “I have worked with apprentices throughout my time in education, but this has always been in the traditional apprenticeship areas of construction and engineering. Apprenticeships now cover so many more areas than this and it was great to have an opportunity to be involved in a day in the life of a teaching assistant apprentice.

“All young people should consider an apprenticeship as an option to moving in to employment. It’s a great way to learn and to gain work skills first-hand.

“I have seen so many young people gain excellent jobs by completing an apprenticeship and it really is an unbeatable way to gain skills and knowledge.”