Young Apprentice of the Year Award

Alice, 16, changed her career plans after completing a Young Apprenticeship in Engineering. ‘I thought about going to university to study law, but my Apprenticeship has opened my eyes to a new career. I’ve decided to work in the marine industry as an engineer or a boat builder. I also hope to start my own business one day,’ said Alice.

Alice did her Young Apprenticeship through Paragon & ITE Training Group where she learnt basic hand skills, spending school holidays putting them into practice at Hamble Yacht Services, a boatyard in Hampshire. Here, she was given the opportunity to practice and service her real passion; boats. ‘I participated in the laying of a new teak deck on a 30ft Motorcruiser. It was a challenge but a truly rewarding experience.’

John Underdown at Paragon & ITE Training Group followed her placement closely: ‘Hamble Yacht Services has been very impressed with Alice’s abilities and the contribution she has made to the business. She is a positive role model for other pupils as she has excelled in both her academic studies and work placement.’

Alice continues: ‘I completed six GCSE’s a year early, gaining 4 A’s and 2 A*’s. I am proud to have completed my academic studies and to have combined it with practical elements of the programme.’

During her placement, Alice received the Class Achievement Award and was elected as chairperson of the School Council: ‘I have also been involved in speaking to Year 9 pupils to explain the benefits of the programme. It’s been great’. A number of these pupils are starting Young Apprenticeships in September 2007. 

Alice has recently been offered an Advanced Apprenticeship in Boat Building with Southampton Yacht Services, which she will start in September 2007. She is a finalist in the Young Apprentice of the Year category at the national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.