Youngsters at Grimsby Institute get paid for learning their trade
THESE young people are honing their trade while getting paid as apprentices at the Grimsby Institute.
As well as offering a whole host of training courses, the institute employs its own apprentices across a variety of disciplines – from estates management, to administration.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we met Hayley Sunderman, 26, and Hannah May, 20, apprentice painters and decorators, who have helped decorate the classrooms and corridors of the Institute.
Mum-of-two Hayley, of Cromwell Avenue, has completed her Level 2 qualification and is waiting to see if she will be taken on full-time.
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She said: "I actually used to study beauty but I didn't think the environment was that friendly so I started looking for something else.
"I've had my own house since I was 18 and I enjoyed doing up all of the rooms.
"I didn't expect to be offered paid employment at the institute when I started my course but I love it. I've learnt a really useful trade and been paid while I learn."
Hannah, 20, who is working towards her Level 2 qualification, studied art and design at college before becoming an apprentice.
She added: "An apprenticeship appealed to me because you get paid while you learn. I've picked up some really useful skills that help me outside of work too."
Meanwhile, in the administration department, Laura Gooderham and Sophie Eaton have been earning while they learn.
Laura, 20, from New Waltham, will be going off to university in September to study journalism.
She said: "My apprenticeship has been so valuable because it has really improved my confidence and I've learnt so many new skills.
"I looked online for apprenticeships after my A-levels because I wanted to do something productive with my time.
"I think the things I've learnt, like computer skills, will help me in my future career too."
Sophie, 17, from Scartho, added: "I'm hoping to carry on with my apprenticeship next year and then go to university to study law.
"I've really enjoyed working in the office and I've completed so many qualifications too."
One former apprentice who has reaped the rewards of her training is Katie Knudsen, 23, from Cleethorpes, who is now in her sixth year at the institute.
She began as an administration apprentice and is now employed full-time as a quality administrator, and has recently scooped an institute award for her work.
Katie added: "My apprenticeship was fantastic and led to a great job."
Margaret Woodcock, who is director of quality improvement for further education, said: "It's very important that we practice what we preach and offer our learners the chance to work for us.
"We are proud to be ambassadors for apprenticeships we offer."
ON THE WEB: We have been writing about National Apprenticeship Week all week. Visit www.this isgrimsby.co.uk to read the stories.
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