Blackpool apprentices pass with flying colours

TWO young men from Blackpool are celebrating after passing their apprenticeship with Aptus Utilities and achieving some of the highest marks in the UK.

Connah Trevelyan (18) and Ethan Goulding (18) secured distinctions and are heading to London for the premier of the new James Bond movie as a reward for their success.

Described as a ‘stellar’ cohort, both have been offered a permanent contract of employment with  Aptus, which installs the critical infrastructure that provides water, gas and electricity to new build residential and commercial property developments.  Its clients include national housebuilders and regional builders of all sizes.

The award-winning two-year apprenticeship scheme was devised by Bolton headquartered Aptus in 2015 to help tackle a severe skills shortage in the construction industry.

Combining on the job training and classroom learning, delivered by further education college Utility & Construction Training (UCT), it leads to nationally recognised qualifications.

Steve Hyde, business development director at UCT, said:

“UCT is delighted to have delivered training for the Aptus apprenticeship and it’s especially pleasing to hear of the exceptional results achieved from all apprentices within the group. The attitude and commitment of the learners has been excellent throughout the programme and, together with the proactive support from the Aptus management team, has resulted in this successful outcome.  A special mention goes to Clinton Miles, the lead trainer for his dedication and efforts with the apprentices.”

In recognition of their results, the newly qualified apprentices are being treated to a Bond-themed all expenses trip to London, where they’ll travel down the Thames in a speedboat before walking the red carpet to take their seats at the premier of ‘No Time To Die’.

Connah said, “I’m really buzzing. All the hard work I’ve put in has paid off. Learning and getting paid as you go is great. I’ve really enjoyed learning new things, not just about work but life as well. It’s hard at the start but really worth sticking with.”

Ethan added, “I’m so proud to have got a distinction.  I’ve really enjoyed the course and making new mates. I’ve enjoyed the practical bits and being on site with the Aptus team most of all.  It’s been class and I’d do it all over again.”

Aptus managing director Lisa Kerford commented:

“Our sector is facing a severe skills shortage so we decided to address this head-on by creating our very own apprenticeship scheme. Basically, we’re growing our own talent. We are big believers in apprenticeships and so far, have had over 40 young people train and qualify across a range of courses. They have gone on to enjoy careers as project managers, estimators, health and safety advisers, design engineers, electric jointers, gas engineers, warehouse operatives and business administrators.  It’s so satisfying to see apprentices who’ve qualified in previous years now buddying up and helping the new starters in our latest intake.”

On the day the ‘Class of 2019’ received their results, eight new apprentices arrived at Aptus HQ for their induction before starting their two-year apprenticeship.

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