Success Stories
Apprentice rewarded for showing his caring side 
Every month we celebrate a specific apprentice that has gone above and beyond their everyday duties.
Coinciding with apprenticeship week, this month’s winner is Thomas Allen.
Thomas, studying an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care won the award after his employer put him forward for the monthly competition run by the College.
Thomas works at Steps Residential Care Limited in Rotherham and has been their apprentice since November 2010. Steps is a residential care home for adults with a learning disability and additional behavioural needs.
Anna Brown, the Manager of Steps said: “It soon became evident that Tom had a lot to offer the service users and the staff.
“Tom is motivated, enthusiastic, kind, compassionate and eager to learn, he also shows great empathy and is a natural carer. Some of the feedback from parents was that Tom is organised, friendly, approachable and that nothing was ever too much trouble. “Tom has grown from strength-to-strength and now delivers support in three of our houses supporting individuals with a wide range of learning disabilities and support needs.”
Tom also featured on BBC Look North where he helped with a report on the wheelchair access at Rotherham Train Station.
Rotherham College of Arts and Technology offers a host of apprenticeship pathways to choose from and it is not just for young people. Apprenticeships are available to all ages and are there for employers to help up-skill their own staff.
Some of the benefits of becoming an apprentice include; being paid while you learn, paid holidays, get the training and experience of working in your ideal job.
Speaking about his experience, Thomas said: “I’m really enjoying my time as an apprentice. It’s given me all the experience I need to do the job properly.”
Peter Ives, Business Improvement Consultant at the College said: “It was an easy choice on who to make the Apprentice of the Month this time, and once I met him it was very clear just how hard he works. The staff and those using the service are very fond of him and he does an excellent job – well done Tom.” Thomas was awarded with a certificate and Meadowhall vouchers.
(Image: from left to right: Manager of Steps, Anna Brown with Apprentice of the Month winner, Thomas Allen, and Peter Ives from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. The background highlights some of the houses at the care home).
A ‘weld’ done to girl power
Two female apprentices studying at our College have shown true girl power in the world of welding after securing full-time jobs after their apprenticeships.
Iona Haynes (19) and Vicky Bingham (18) (Pictured) are in their final year of their City and Guilds NVQ Level 3 Technical Certificate in Fabrication and Welding.
The pair has been carrying out their apprenticeships at C.W Fletcher, a Sheffield-based engineering company that specialises in the aerospace industry and have now awarded the two with full-time jobs once their apprenticeship finishes.
The two girls have been working in a predominantly male environment and when asked what this was like, Iona and Vicky said: “We work really well with all the lads and it just seems to be the norm for us now. They do actually really look out for us!”
Both Iona and Vicky have been working on the Rolls Royce engines which are fitted into aeroplanes.
Steve Woodward, Curriculum Leader for Fabrication and Welding Engineering at the College said: “I am very proud of both of them, they are a true asset to the College and they are both passionate and professional when it comes to their career. Well done to them and I wish them the best of luck in the future".
For more information about apprenticeships, contact the Business Improvement Team at the College on 08000 890909, or email, business@rotherham.ac.uk