Warrington Collegiate had a new apprentice on Tuesday 7th February, when Leader of the Council, Councillor Terry O’Neill visited Warrington Collegiate along with our very own HR director Peter Metcalf for some ‘hands-on ‘experience to help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
First stop was the Construction Training Workshop where Councillor O’Neill proved he was a top pupil at bricklaying following instructions from 19 year old, apprentice, Daryl Delooze from Orford.
Peter Metcalf, and 19 year old accountancy apprentice, Jack Wright, from Westbrook discussed the benefits and development of apprenticeships over coffee with Councillor Terry O’Neill.
Following this, Councillor O’Neill moved to the Plumbing workshop to develop his skills even further with encouragement from apprentices, 19 year old Tom Spencer, from Widnes and 25 year old Kelvin Hampson from Newton-le-Willows.
He was given a tour of the Renewable Energies facilities, the latest green initiative by Warrington Collegiate with Jem Morris, Curriculum Manager for Construction and Building Services and Sustainables accompanied by Angela Perry, Director of Property Services Golden Gates Housing Trust and 17 year old apprentice, Jack Hodgkiss from Risley.
After his hard work Councillor O’Neill enjoyed a spot of relaxation, meeting North West Apprentice of the Year 2008, hairdresser Alisha Cooper who started her career as an apprentice with Warrington Collegiate and now manages Lisa B’s salon in Warrington.
Employers who work with the college were also on hand to tell Councillor O’Neill about the benefits of apprenticeships from their point of view.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said, ‘It’s been a real pleasure visiting Warrington Collegiate today and meeting some of the young people undertaking apprenticeships. Their enthusiasm for the work they are doing is tremendous and the skills and knowledge they are gaining here will be invaluable for their future careers.’