Furness College recognises top apprentices

Athena PTS apprentice Max Nickson, who is studying at Furness College, is among those who have been recognised for their commitment to learning in lockdown

Furness College has recognised the achievements of dozens of its apprentices who have continued to make impressive progress while learning under lockdown.

The college has written to nearly 90 apprentices on programmes – ranging from engineering to early years education, hair and beauty to business administration – to formally mark their commitment to learning during COVID-19.

Steve McAloone, director of curriculum, technical, adult and employer learning, said the college had heard so many positive stories about the continued hard work and motivation of many apprentices that it felt this needed to be formally recognised.

“Despite the challenges faced by our apprentices they have been very focused with many successfully completing online exams during lockdown.

“The first time pass rate for our engineering students is nearly at 90 per cent, which shows they have continued to work hard and also acknowledges the work that college staff have put in to help them progress.”

Successes ranged from outstanding pieces of written work to excellent progress made on programmes and included those who have continued in key worker roles and are still on track with their studies.

The college trains more than 700 apprentices each year in 20 sectors and those recognised included apprentices from Siemens, Marl International, Athena PTS, Barrow Council, MHI Vestas, PC Lettings, Brown and Murray, Chetwynde School, Herdwicks Bistro and Furness College itself.

With more than 80 apprenticeships to choose from, the college has a dedicated team of development coaches who work with businesses and who made the recommendations alongside tutors.

In a letter of congratulations, Principal and Chief Executive Andrew Wren praised their achievements and thanked them for their continued commitment to their programme.

“Your development coach has informed me you have engaged extremely well with them and your tutors and this will stand you in excellent stead as you move on to the next stage of your apprenticeship career. You should be rightly proud of your commitment, as are we.”

Apprentices were among the first to return to the Channelside campus to help them complete the practical side of their programme when it reopened last month.

The full list of those apprentices recognised is below:

Digital/ IT & Project Management