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Companies scoop free exhibition space as date is set for 4th annual Skills Festival |
The popular Manufacturing, Engineering and Marine Skills Festival will be held at the Hampshire Rose Bowl on Wednesday, 17th October 2007 from 9.30am until 3pm.
Already 50 exhibitors have scooped the free exhibition space on offer, and will be hosting interactive displays that give kids a chance to get hands-on experience of working in marine, engineering and manufacturing.
Angela Wright, Chief Executive of Solent Skill Quest who are organising the event said:
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to free exhibitor space this year, with all spaces being filled within the first couple of weeks. We are now turning our attention to schools and colleges to get the message out that this is an excellent educational event which grabs young people’s attention, and gives them a taste of three exciting industries.”
As the biggest and most successful event of its kind in central Southern England, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Marine Skills Festival attracts pupils, schools and colleges from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is estimated that 2000 13-19 year olds will come through the doors, keen to learn more about what careers in marine, engineering and manufacturing have to offer.
Schools are invited to visit the show, and pupils are encouraged to take part in some of the activities on offer and they also have the chance to win an exciting range of prizes. Prizes range from cricket coaching to I-pods.
To find out more about how you can take part in the Festival please contact Robin Smith on 023 8055 8222 or email
robin.smith@solentskillquest.co.uk
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Hampshire Apprentices in line for Queen’s Medal for Shipwrights |
Three Fareham Apprentices have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for the marine industry.
Marc Godden, 20, Piers Reid, 23, and Richard Ballingall, 20, have been announced as three of only twelve apprentices in the UK who will compete for Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Medal by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.
The trainee boat builders and marine engineers have all completed Advanced Apprenticeships with Fareham-based Paragon Training and were nominated for the award by their respective employers.
They will now undertake a week's course and evaluation at Hawkhirst on Keilder Water in Northumberland in September along with the other finalists to determine the winner.
Mr Godden and Mr Ballingall have both completed marine engineering advanced apprenticeships, whilst Mr Reid has successfully completed a boat building advanced apprenticeship.
Mr Godden, who works for Peter’s Ship Yard in Chichester, said: “I’m excited to be chosen as one of the final 12 as the award is well known within the industry. I think that I’ve always excelled in my training and I achieved my NVQ in nine months. I also completed a City & Guilds technical certificate through day release to the Marine Industries Skills Centre at Paragon and I’ve completed inspection courses with Volvo.
“The advanced apprenticeship has given me a solid start to my career and to win the Queen’s Silver Medal would be a tribute to all my hard work.”
Mr Ballingall is employed by Golden Arrow Marine in Southampton. He commented: “I was really pleased that my manager thought I was good enough to be nominated. To be selected as a finalist is a real achievement as it’s very well recognised, I’m very proud of myself!”
Southampton Yacht Services boat builder Mr Reid added: “Taking the apprenticeship route was ideal for me as I have been able to learn a variety of skills at work but also get the theoretical knowledge and qualifications to back this up. Now that I’ve come to the end of the apprenticeship, I’m very excited to see what the future holds and where the qualification will take me - and I hope national recognition through the Queen’s Silver Medal will help me in my career.”
Esther Lochhead, marine training and recruitment advisor at Paragon Training, commented: “We are very pleased to have three of our learners selected for the Queen’s Silver Medal. Each of the lads has shown a high level of skill and motivation throughout their time with Paragon and we wish them luck in the finals for this prestigious award.”
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Alice Makes a Splash at the Apprenticeship Awards |
A local teenager has been highly commended by the Learning and Skills Council at its prestigious Apprenticeship Awards.
Alice LeGood, 16 from Hedge End, attended a glitzy awards ceremony on 20th June at the Hilton Hotel in London to receive her award. She was one of three young people in the UK to reach the finals in the Young Apprentice of the Year category.
The event was attended by 24 finalists from across the UK, as well as Skills Minister Phil Hope, business leaders and key stakeholders, and was hosted by Chris Banks, Chair of the LSC.
 Mr Hope paid tribute to the achievements of the 2007 winners and finalists, saying: “These awards demonstrate the sheer breadth and depth of talent in this country. Tonight we focus our praise and admiration on some of the most talented of our young people. They are people who are eager to learn, wanting to contribute and eager to achieve – a wonderful generation with incredible talents.”
Alice, who had already been awarded the title of South East Young Apprentice of the Year earlier this year, received her award from TV presenter Nick Knowles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Knowles said: “I’m deeply impressed and these awards have been truly inspiring. It’s been a privilege to see so many successful employers and Apprentices here tonight.”
Alice has completed a Young Apprenticeship in Marine Engineering with Fareham-based Paragon Training. She was thrilled to attend the awards ceremony and commented: “I am so pleased to have been chosen as one of the final three. I’ve really enjoyed my Apprenticeship and it has opened up my eyes to a new career.”
As well as working towards GCSEs, Alice has been spending one day a week at Paragon Training’s workshops learning basic hand skills, and has completed work experience with Hamble Yacht Services.
She added: “I thought about going to university to study law, but now 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. The Young Apprenticeship enabled me to follow my passion with working on boats, but still achieve academically. I am proud to have completed my academic studies and to have combined it with practical elements of the programme. It was a challenge but a truly rewarding experience”
John Underdown at Paragon Training 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. We are really pleased that she got the recognition she deserved at the Apprenticeship Awards.”
Alice has recently been offered an Advanced Apprenticeship in Boat Building with Southampton Yacht Services, which she will start in September 2007.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) exists to make England better skilled and more competitive, and the event honoured both learners for their achievements and employers for their support of work-based learning.
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Colin Jackson CBE Celebrates Achievements of Trainee Boat Builder |
A young trainee boat builder from Southampton won the Young Apprentice of the Year Award at the inaugural LSC South East Learning and Skills Awards.
Alice LeGood, 16, was named as the winner at an event hosted by former Olympic athlete, Colin Jackson CBE, who presented the awards to winners, whilst ITV Meridian news presenter Mary Green, hosted the glittering dinner and prize-giving ceremony on Thursday 26 April 2007.
Alice, who is from Hedge End in Hampshire and attends Wildern Secondary School, was one of three finalists and was awarded the title of South East Young Apprentice of the Year. She is one of only three young people in the UK to now go forward to compete for the title of national Young Apprentice of 2007 at the LSC’s prestigious National Apprentice Awards. She will attend an Oscar style awards ceremony in London in June.
Alice is carrying out her Young Apprenticeship in Marine Engineering with Fareham-based Paragon and ITE Training Group, with a view to working in the marine industry. She is currently undertaking a work placement at Hamble Yacht Services, a boatyard, where she has had the opportunity to work with riggers, as well as learning about other boat building techniques.
The company’s prime function is to service yachts whose size ranges typically from 21ft to 80ft. During her time at Hamble, Alice stepped and rigged masts, made and fitted guardrails, and performed rig inspections.
Alice is in the second year of her Young Apprenticeship. As well as working towards GCSEs, she has been spending one day a week at Paragon and ITE Training’s workshops, and is completing 50 days of work experience with Hamble Yacht Services.
 Alice said: “I’ve always had an interest in boats and always wanted to find out how things work, so when I was offered a course that incorporated both of these things, I jumped at the chance. As my course progressed, I could see that more and more of what I was being taught in the workshop could be used in a true working environment. I now want to follow a career in the marine industry and hope to have my own business at some point in the future.”
John Underdown, Paragon and ITE Training Group’s 14-19 Co-ordinator, nominated Alice for the awards. He said: “Alice is an exemplary Young Apprentice, having achieved recognition in her first year at Paragon and ITE Training Group by receiving Class Achiever Awards for excellent behaviour, attendance and for the contribution she makes to the Marine Engineering programme she is on. Alice is a natural problem solver who works methodically through any challenges set, showing real commitment here and at school and is an excellent role model for her cohort. We are extremely proud of her for winning the South East Young Apprentice of the Year award and for reaching the national finals.”
A second Young Apprentice of the Paragon and ITE Training Group was announced as a highly commended finalist. Gary Smith, aged 16 from Eastleigh, is undertaking a Young Apprenticeship in the Motor Industry and has completed work experience with Sparshats Nissan and Subaru.
Commenting on the prestigious awards ceremony, Henry Ball, Regional Director for the LSC South East, said:
“The inaugural LSC South East Learning and Skills Awards were a great success. They acknowledge the achievement of learners and employers who use work-based learning to develop their skills. These awards recognise the qualities shown by learners who frequently succeed against the odds.
“For the employers themselves, we looked for a dynamic approach to training, support for learners, and an ability to demonstrate tangible business benefits through training programmes. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all finalists – for their achievements and for making this such an awesome event.”
In his motivational speech, Colin Jackson talked about his own experiences in training to become a world-class athlete. His talk highlighted how he had overcome personal challenges and explained how dreams could be achieved no matter which career people choose.
The LSC South East Learning & Skills Awards was held at the Copthorne Effingham Hotel and Resort, Effingham Park, near Gatwick.
The event will become a regular occurrence as the LSC continues to demonstrate its commitment to both employers and learners across the South East of England.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) exists to make England better skilled and more competitive, and the event honoured both learners for their achievements and employers for their support of work-based learning.
For further information on the exciting LSC South East Learning and Skills Awards, visit:
www.southeast-lsc-awards.org.uk
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New Marine Training Facility opens in Hampshire |
Companies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from state of-the-art facilities at a new Marine Industries Skills Centre that has been developed by Paragon and ITE Training Group at Blackbrook Road in Fareham.
The Centre was officially opened on the 20th March by Mrs Anne-Marie Mountfield, Partnership Director of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council and Adrian Humphries, Chairman of Paragon and ITE Training Group.
Opening the Marine Industries Skills Centre, Mrs Mountfield said: “The Learning and Skills Council has a simple and clear vision to develop world class skills. The opening of this new Marine Industries Skills Centre for young people and employers is an excellent example of how partnership and investment in infrastructure will help develop the skills we need to give us a competitive edge.
“What is exciting is that this is exactly what employers actually want. There has been a pioneering approach to training from Paragon, one that has placed employers centrally in developing courses. The result is an excellent facility that fires the imagination of young people and gives them education and training of real value.”
Mrs Mountfield commended the partnership between Paragon and other members of the Marine Centre of Vocational Excellence which had resulted in innovative training and new ways of collaborative working for the benefit of employers.
 “The investment of nearly £1m has allowed learners to access and take part in programmes dedicated to Marine training. It will be a boost to the local area and to our ambition of producing world class skills.
“Paragon and ITE Group should be applauded for its commitment to this Centre and to the development of this facility.”
Adrian Humphries, Executive Chairman of Paragon and ITE Training Group said: “We have been delighted with the response that we’ve had from marine employers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Our hope is that it will make an impact on the skills base in the sector and on the economic prosperity of the area.
“We will continue to work closely with employers, ensuring that the new centre meets the needs of the industry and this community. We very much welcome the opportunity to show the centre to both local residents and employers in the future.”
Paragon and ITE Training Group offers funded Apprenticeship training for young people including the acclaimed Young Apprenticeship programme for 14 to 16 year olds. There is a wide range of marine and business training for adults, skilled workers wishing to update their skills and for employers wishing to run courses tailored specifically to the needs of their businesses.
The 13,000 square foot Marine Industries Skills Centre is home to a team of highly skilled specialist marine trainers and will provide easy access to the latest equipment, diagnostic and teaching facilities for young people and employers to develop the skills they need to stay competitive in today’s markets.
Nearly £1 million has been invested in the Centre, which has modern and practical training workshop areas for marine engineering, boat building and marine electrical training, superbly equipped classrooms, computer suites and pneumatic and hydraulics training equipment.
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Essential Marine Cookery |
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A successful collaboration between the UKSA and
The Isle of Wight College (Centre of Vocational
Excellence for Marine Industries)
Now available for the first time a cookery
skills course for yacht charter, progressing to
super yachts. This can be a stand-alone course
or bolted onto the UKSA Yacht Stewardess or
Yacht Masters courses. Gemma Cooper,
Course-coordinator from UKSA says she has had a
very positive response from the first group of
students and she anticipates that future courses
will fill up quickly. Understood to currently be
the only course of its kind in the world, The
Isle of Wight College and UKSA believe they have
managed to get into a global niche market
providing a high quality, diverse course,
delivered by specialist trainers.
Following four days of intensive training,
the students had to cook crew breakfasts,
unsupervised, on board three yachts. Later that
morning, they sat their RIPH Foundation Hygiene
Exam before heading into town (Cowes), to buy
provisions, to enable them to plan, prepare and
cook a three course crew-dinner on board the
same three yachts. Student Justine
Duncan-Campbell said "I truly got so much
out of my time at The College, from the basics
of chopping to creating amazingly simple and
delicious dishes - thank you!" Each student
was presented with a joint UKSA/Isle of Wight
College/CoVE Certificate, a signed book, various
college goodies and their UKSA uniforms, which
were sponsored by Nisbets Next Day Catering
Equipment of Bristol.
For more information, please contact: Malcolm
Alder-Smith at The Isle of Wight College on
01983 550824.
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City College Marine Showcase
Success |
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Southampton City College’s Marine Technology Centre (MTC) at Woolston held its annual Showcase event on Thursday November 16th.
Each year the Marine Technology Centre opens its doors to invite prospective students to visit this large modern marine training facility and find out more about the available marine based engineering, boat building and marine electrical courses currently on offer.
The students, some from as far away as Crawley, were provided with tours of the facility and engaged with tutors regarding the various options available to them and the career paths they might pursue following completion of their studies.
As part of the Showcase a number of students currently studying at the MTC were on hand to exhibit the various skills they have acquired thus far in their training with City College.
MTC Business Manager Brian Mill commented: “We are very pleased with the way the evening progressed and the high levels of interest shown by our young people for the marine courses available. We positively encourage youngsters to submit their applications as soon as possible.”
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