<p data-start="51" data-end="225">We spoke with Justin Whiting,<strong> Advanced Technical Trainer – Skills </strong>at the <a href="https://www.nccuk.com/"><strong>National Composites Centre</strong></a>, about NCC’s current apprenticeship programme and how you can get involved!</p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3fd8c80-559d-4832-ad33-97fef538f264" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. What apprenticeships do you offer at NCC through Weston College (which industry's, which levels etc)?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We currently offer the<strong> Level 3 Composite Technician apprenticeship </strong>which falls in the Engineering category; we also offer <strong>Level 6 Project Management apprenticeships</strong>, however, we are constantly reviewing our apprenticeship offerings so this may change in the future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. What do these apprenticeships entail for the learners?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>The learners are on a 3 year and 3-month programme with time spent at NCC and Weston College. At NCC apprentices will work with experienced technicians to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship, they will also spend time at Weston College learning about Composite materials and working towards the qualifications and their End Point Assessment (EPA).&nbsp;</p><p>The learners will complete a rotation around different areas of the business and then concentrate on specific technologies in the second and third year. As an innovation organisation, the apprentices will be working on cutting edge equipment and procedures. The PM apprentice course lasts 4 years and includes day of study per week for the duration of the programme. Learners on this course will work on different projects with different project teams.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. What do NCC look for in an apprentice?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>NCC looks for enthusiastic apprentices who want to learn not just how to do a job but why we are doing that job, we want apprentices to be inquisitive and think of ways that they can improve the processes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4. Are there any standout stories of our apprentices at NCC?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>There are many! We have had 5 of our apprentices make the regional finals of Make <strong>UK Apprentice of the Year award</strong>, have been involved in <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize">BBC Bitesize</a> and supported the <a href="https://www.gatsby.org.uk/">Gatsby Foundation</a>. Our apprentices have worked in teams on some amazing projects such as a full-scale wing demonstrator, remote controlled car and drone which have been used to help promote NCC and the apprenticeship programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5. How do apprentices benefit your business?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Apprentices are a major asset to the business. Apprenticeships allow us to train people right from the start of their career in our processes, ways of working and sector expectations. They bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the company and inspire the next generation of engineers and project managers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6. Do NCC take on apprentices as full-time employees after they have finished their apprenticeship?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>NCC apprentices are on a fixed term contract for the duration of their apprenticeship, they can then apply for full time roles at NCC.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. When are NCC next looking for apprentices, and how can students apply?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We generally start looking for our new apprentices in January/February with a view to holding interviews in April. We advertise any apprenticeship positions on our website and through Weston College.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>8. What advice would you give to people who are thinking about doing an apprenticeship?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Do it!!</strong> An apprenticeship is a great way of learning, gaining industry experience and developing professional behaviours whilst getting paid!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>9. Is there anything else you would like to add?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We firmly believe apprenticeships are a great way to start your career, our apprentices are invaluable to the company.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students.&nbsp;</p><p>Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.</p><p>At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… and Production</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/which-level-right-me"><u>Leve… Explained</u></a> page to gain a more in-depth understanding.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are still unsure, email <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:enquiries@weston.ac.uk"><u>enquiries@weston.ac.uk</u></a&gt; or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.</p>

<p>My name is Allan, and I recently completed a Plant Bootcamp at the <a href="https://www.construction-training-centre.co.uk/">Construction Training Centre (CTC)</a>, which has really helped open the doors to my next great opportunity.&nbsp;</p><p>I gained access to the course through an organisation called ‘Positive People’ and thought it would be a good course for me to complete as I’d always preferred outside, hands-on work instead of working in an office environment, which I’d previously done for more than 20 years in the Transport industry.</p><p>I’d always liked the idea of getting involved in the building/construction industry, so I started by enrolling for a Dumper/Roller course. This course was short and enabled me to get a foot in the door within the industry. The staff at the Construction Training Centre were extremely helpful and approachable. My tutor, in particular, was insightful and inspiring.</p><p>Upon completion of the course, it took some searches to find employment due to my lack of experience, but I eventually was offered employment via an agency called ‘Options’, where I was working on the A39 in Minehead, building a new footpath/cycle path for four weeks.</p><p>Following this, after a short break and searches, I found work through another agency, ‘Harbon’. This time I was working in Wincanton on a biomass plant, as a dumper driver. This work is still ongoing, allowing me to receive a stable income.</p><p>After being fortunate enough to gain some experience in the industry, I would like to go back to the CTC to complete the 360 digger and telehandler courses - I feel they would give me a great advantage for my future career.</p><p>I would encourage those out there considering a course at the CTC to definitely give it a go – if you are not work shy and enjoy working in the elements, I would recommend looking at what opportunities are on offer in construction.</p><p>Thank you, Weston College, for the perfect introduction to the Construction industry!</p><p><a href="https://www.construction-training-centre.co.uk/">Find out more about the CTC, here!</a></p>