COMMUNITY BENEFIT FROM APPRENTICESHIPS
09/06/2010

The purpose of the annual challenge is to develop and strengthen links between Ayrshire businesses and their communities and to deliver a project of community benefit utilising and showcasing the skills of the Modern Apprentices thus providing them with the opportunity to put something back into their local communities.

Brian Cameron of Skills Development Scotland said, “The Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for local Modern Apprentices to showcase their acquired skills and to use them for the benefit of their local communities. Entries this year were of a high standard and were a credit not only to the Apprentices but also to their respective employers. Skills Development Scotland was delighted, once again, to support this initiative.”

The Winning Team was British Energy, Hunterston B, part of EDF Energy, who carried out the restoration and refurbishment of a Victorian Columbia Printing Press.

Hunterston B Station Director Ian Stewart said, “This is a fine example of Hunterston B staff working with the local community in Ayrshire. The Apprentices have worked really hard on restoring this amazing piece of engineering history, which will soon be on public display at Dalgarven Museum of Country Life and Costume, Dalry. We are very proud that they have won ABIC’s Modern Apprenticeship Challenge 2009/2010 and are glad their tremendous efforts have been recognised.”

Rob Ferguson, Chairman of the Dalgarven Mill Museum Trust, thanked the Apprentices from British Energy for their hard work and enthusiasm. He said, “The restored Columbia Press, once owned by David Morton Printers Dalry, would form the centre piece of a new exhibition at the Museum which would hopefully introduce a new generation of computer using children to the magic of Victorian hand set printing.” He also paid tribute to the Apprenticeship system in general and hoped that many more community groups and companies would become involved in future years.

North Ayrshire Council’s Youth Services Team were also recognised with an Award for Innovation. The Team carried out interactive presentations to local school children on the safe use of the internet and protecting personal information while on-line – a very topical issue.

Morag Gemmell, Community Education Worker with North Ayrshire Council said, “The challenge gave the Apprentices something other than their qualification to work towards. They were very innovative about their approach and their portfolio. As their Manager, it was rewarding to see their hard work and creativity being rewarded. This just demonstrates the quality of service and approach to youth work in North Ayrshire.”

Lesley Craig, Ayrshire Business in the Community said: “The Modern Apprenticeship Challenge promotes mutual benefits between employers and local communities, in addition to increasing the confidence and skills of the Modern Apprentices. The project sponsors and the Modern Apprentices thoroughly enjoyed their time together during the planning and installation/delivery phases and this also promotes citizenship within local communities. In my opinion everyone who takes part is a Winner.”

Teams from the following were also recognised for their achievements;

BAE Systems designed and built an eco-greenhouse for Springside Primary School.
GE Caledonian designed and installed a sundial at Troon Primary School
Goodrich designed and built some animal housing units for Hessilhead Wildlife Trust

All participants attended a special presentation ceremony at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on June 7th 2010 hosted by Ayrshire Business in the Community, Skills Development Scotland and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

If your organisation would be interested in taking part in this year’s Modern Apprenticeship Challenge then please log-on to www.ayrshirebic.org for further details.

Author: Lesley J Craig
Source: ABIC

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