At b&e we are proud that our work impacts positively on individuals lives and businesses.
Here are just a few examples:
Tom Watkins, Firth Rixson apprentice
The Facts
Tom Watkins, 16, a former Handsworth Grange pupil, undertook a work-wise pilot programme through b&e-sy and has directly benefited from his time on the scheme.
Studying for an Engineering Diploma Level 2 at school. Like many others, whilst at school he struggled to see the link between his studies and the working world but having gone through the work-wise experience he feels he now able to see the value in his work.
Through work-wise Tom gained a work experience placement at Firth Rixson enabling him to get meaningful experience of the engineering industry.
Impact - Tom's view
Tom said: "I really enjoyed my time at Firth Rixson and thought that this kind of career was something I would like to get into straight away."
Tom remained in contact with the company after his placement and the experience he gained at the company as part of the work-wise initiative meant he was offered a full-time apprenticeship.
"I was really happy" says Tom "I wouldn't have got this chance without the opportunity that work-wise gave me. I would recommend the initiative to anyone who is interested in engineering."
Now he's employed the difference between school and work has really started to sink in for Tom: "They have given me a lot of responsibility and really believe in me. It is difficult getting up at 4.30am but it is definitely worth it. I'm getting experience and paid for what I'm doing. I'm now learning practically on the job and I can see with my own eyes how something that I do can directly affect something else. It is a big difference from only having theory based learning and although obviously you still need both, it is the practical side that has always interested me."
Impact - The Businesses View
Mick Rodgers is responsible for Tom during his apprenticeship at Firth Rixson and understands the value of new young talent in the industry. He said: "It is crucial to get these young people in to keep the industry alive. We have put a lot of faith on young shoulders but know that it will pay off in the long-run."
He added: "work-wise is a good initiative, quite a few young people aren't ready for what the world of work is like straight from school so a programme that can help them understand is definitely something we are looking for."
In Summary
The apprenticeship Tom is studying for will last three years, at the end of this time he will be fully trained as a non-destructive testing technician.
Tom speaking to a business audience about his work-wise experience alongside Alison Bettac, Learning and Development Manager for Firth Rixson.
Kate Richardson, AESSEAL apprentice
The Facts
Kate Richardson, 26, has been through the work-wise initiative and recommends it to anyone who would like to begin a career in engineering.
Kate always knew that engineering could be something she enjoyed. She said: "I was always interested in engineering at school but never encouraged to go down that path."
"When you're younger you often blindly follow a route regardless of what it is you want. It was just drilled into me from GCSE onwards that I should push on to A-Level and university and I suppose I never really questioned it."
Having done a year of an English Language and Teaching degree, as well as trying her hand at art on a foundation year at college, Kate found herself working in a doctors surgery as a receptionist, which she knew wasn't for her.
After becoming involved with work-wise she was encouraged to attend a 'Get Up to Speed' event in Sheffield as part of the initiative, where she was introduced to engineering employers and apprentices.
Work-wise introduced Kate to Richard Cook at AESSEAL, a Rotherham based engineering company, and following a discussion with him she was invited to an interview, where she was appointed to their apprenticeship programme.
Impact - Kate's View
Kate is very aware of the help that work-wise gave her, she said: "It gave me more focus. Before I had no plans and no idea of where I was going in life but work-wise pushed me to the things that I wanted to do that I thought I couldn't."
"Work-wise shows you that there are different routes available for you. As a female it has opened doors that you wouldn't usually be introduced to. I think that because I am a woman that teachers presumed that engineering wasn't an option for me, but when I was introduced to work-wise this was never an issue."
Doing an apprenticeship has given Kate qualifications as well as more confidence. She currently is study for her NVQ level 3, which she does on the job alongside a BTEC in manufacturing.
She commented: "I love what I'm doing now, everyone here has made me feel welcome and the atmosphere is great, it's kind of like having your own little family."
Impact - The Business View
Andrew Toulson is workshop manager at AESSEAL and responsible for Kate during her apprenticeship. He added: "I 100-per-cent back apprenticeships because it brings an influx of talent into the industry which helps bridge the skills shortage we have been experiencing for so long."
"We have had 30 years or so of barely anyone doing apprenticeships and it is brilliant that initiatives such as work-wise are encouraging young people to get involved. Obviously it's a steep learning curve but we will always be supportive to anyone who is interested and help them anyway we can."
In Summary
Kate is extremely grateful for all work-wise has done for her. She said: "I want to thank work-wise for introducing me to engineering, giving me direction for the future which for such a long time I couldn't see. It is a great initiative."
Olivia - Talent Match Graduate
The Facts
Olivia is a pupil at Priory School and Sports College and was selected for the b&e Talent Match programme. Olivia struggles academically but has an effort grade of B in most subjects. The school hoped that Olivia would achieve more confidence, self esteem and become more independent as a result of taking part in the Talent Match programme.
When Olivia completed her Pen Portrait she expressed an interest in developing her knowledge around child care and was placed as part of the Talent Match Programme at The Laurels Nursery.
Impact - The Schools View
Olivia appears to be more confident and out spoken compared to this time last year and has enjoyed all aspects of the programme.
Olivia feels that the placement has helped her to learn how to work with children. The placement experience has helped Olivia to become more independent with travel and has also enabled her to achieve qualifications in Employability Skills, Health & Safety and First Aid.
In Summary
As a result of participation in the Talent Match programme Olivia expressed she feels more confident - in particular in her working and communication with others.
Abby - Talent Match Graduate
Priory School and Sports College student Abby was selected by her school to take part in the b&e Talent Match programme.
In her personal pen portrait Abby expressed an interest in gaining experience in a small café or sandwich shop.
Impact - The schools View
Participation In the programme has definitely helped Abby's progress this year. She has all A's and B's for effort in her subjects. She appears more confident and talkative with a variety of staff.
Abby has developed confidence and her communication skills with others. This has been observed during her travel to placement as she has taken responsibility for informing the bus driver of her destination and in her general communication with pupils in school and other people she is in contact with. The placement has also helped her to develop life skills.
Abby has enjoyed all aspects of the programme although has particularly enjoyed learning to cook new things. On her placement at Bon Appetite Abby's supervisor commented that Abby "thrives in this environment. She can't wait until Thursday's and gets on well with staff."
She has also achieved qualifications in Employability Skills, Health and Safety and First Aid.
In Summary
As a result of the Talent Match programme Abby would like to go to College to study Catering. The programme has been instrumental in helping this decision - Abby might not have considered going to college as an option without this opportunity and experience.
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