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.

Cambs Times: The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Simon Jones from Crown Packaging plc.The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Simon Jones from Crown Packaging plc. (Image: Archant)

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

Cambs Times: The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Nicholas Lee from Princes Ltd.The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Nicholas Lee from Princes Ltd. (Image: Archant)

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.

Cambs Times: The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Daniel Whitrid from Princes Ltd.The College of West Anglia Engineering Apprenticeship Awards. Left: Principal David Pomfret and Daniel Whitrid from Princes Ltd. (Image: Archant)

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.

“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.”