A PIONEERING skills showcase event arranged between a forward-thinking college and go-ahead construction company Evolution has led to young students landing apprenticeships.
Blackpool and The Fylde College decided to host the first event of its kind with Evolution after being impressed with the approach company Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald takes to providing young people with life-changing opportunities.
JJ is passionate about giving young people a better start in life and supports a range of pioneering training, employment and charitable initiatives.
When the college’s Business Engagement Executive Charlotte Eastwood met JJ at a community event held at Blackpool Tower she invited him to see first-hand the capability of their construction students and arranged for JJ and Evolution Contracts Manager Ben Reader to interview students and assess their work on practical tasks.
Four students who had just completed their first year in Level 2 Plastering and Joinery respectively last month took part and showcased their skills, including skimming and skirting, in a workshop session held at the college’s Bispham Campus.
As a direct result of the initiative, two construction students, who have just completed their Level 2 qualifications from the college, have already been handed apprenticeships with Evolution, and started work with the business last month.
Paige Thomas, (Plastering), and Thomas Valentine, (Joinery), both impressed JJ and Ben with their capabilities during the skills showcase.
JJ said: “We were blown away by the skills of all the students and were delighted to offer immediate apprenticeship opportunities to Paige and Thomas.
“It was great to be able to see their impressive construction skills first-hand, and we are really grateful to Charlotte and the college for having the foresight to set up the showcase event and make it happen. Two young people have gained career opportunities thanks to this innovative approach.”
Ben said: “This type of engagement opportunity really helps employers link up with young people in our community who are learning their trade and who will be the workforce of tomorrow across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Thanks to Charlotte and the college for making this happen.”
Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Curriculum Manager for Construction Apprenticeships, Dionne McCann said: “We are thrilled to see employers like Evolution actively engaging with our students. This kind of hands-on involvement is invaluable, as it gives our students the chance to demonstrate their skills in a real-world context. Collaborations like these are essential for
ensuring that our students transition successfully from education to employment, and we hope to see more businesses follow Evolution’s lead.”
Charlotte said: “This was an amazing opportunity for our students to showcase their practical skills and to hear about real work experiences and gain industry insight.
“We know that JJ is passionate about providing these opportunities and we are delighted that this approach has proved so successful and led to Evolution offering apprenticeships to two of our students.
“We look forward to working with Evolution. We know that Paige and Thomas are going to receive great mentorship from JJ and the team.
“Based on this success we will certainly be looking at exploring this approach with other businesses in the future.”
Blackpool and The Fylde College has more than 1,800 employer partners, locally, regionally, and nationally.
The college, which is the lead partner for the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IOT), specialises in apprenticeships including in: business, leadership, management, digital, data analysis, HR, accounting, project management and construction.
Its construction offering includes: Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician (Level 3); Building Services Engineering Craftsperson (Level 3); Bricklaying (Level 2); Plastering (Level 2); Carpentry and Joinery Site and Architectural (Levels 2 and 3); Property Maintenance Operative (Level 2); Electrical Installation (Level 3).
Photos
Blackpool and The Fylde College apprentices Paige Thomas, (Plastering), and Thomas Valentine, (Joinery), who have taken up positions with Blackpool construction company Evolution after both impressed in a showcase of their skills.
JJ Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Evolution
