Why do apprenticeships work at Scarborough TEC?

Scarborough TEC, the region’s newest provider of further and higher education, is preparing to celebrate National Apprenticeships’ Week 2018, running from 5^th-9^th March.

During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career, as Debbie Hilton, Head of Business Development at Scarborough TEC, explained:

“The market for apprenticeships nationally has seen a dip since the introduction of the reforms last year however, in Scarborough and surrounding areas, our employers continue to support the apprenticeship programmes enthusiastically and the market has remained strong.

“We have recruited well across all programmes and are confident that apprenticeships continue to be seen as a rewarding and valuable route into the world of work and that’s why we are so keen to raise their profile during  National Apprenticeships Week.”

One former apprentice making a name for himself in the industry is Kyle May.  Kyle set up his business, Kyle May Brickwork, in 2013 and, as one of 72% in industry who are self-employed, he now employs other apprentices through Scarborough TEC himself, Kyle said:

“I originally started as an apprentice with Jepson’s Builders and, while I didn’t choose to go into Brickwork, I feel very lucky that I have.  Brickwork is an art and it’s there for everyone to see. When I finished my Apprenticeship I left the trade and went to Australia for two years, where I picked it back up again, I then decided to set up my own business when I got back.

“There is such a demand at the minute and there just aren’t enough skilled people to do it.  When you become a Bricklayer you pick up other general aspects of building too, things like building, tiling and plastering.

“I have now started employing apprentices through Scarborough TEC because it’s good for business, it’s good to keep in contact with Dave and the college.  There are also other benefits like Government grants and being able to offset their wages against tax.”

The industry currently employs 98% males and 2% females, with an estimated wage for a qualified Bricklayer of up to £250 per day, depending on experience.  18-year-old Kai Ellis is currently training as a Bricklaying Apprentice with Kyle after completing a Level 1 Mult-Skills course at Scarborough TEC.  Kai added:

“I showed Kyle some of the work I’d done on the course, he took me on for a trial and then I started working for him.  A lot of the time I’m putting mixes in, loading bricks and doing other things I can to help out.  You learn something new every day and it’s great doing something you enjoy.  We learn the theory and practical side at college and I really enjoy it.”

For more information about Apprenticeship opportunities available at Scarborough TEC email [email protected], call 01723 372105 or visit scarboroughTEC.ac.uk/apprenticeships