Apprentice awarded for Outstanding Contributions

A Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to his employer.

Harry Jones, aged 18 has been awarded an Apprenticeship Recognition Award by the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  Harry, who lives in the Westlands, is studying an NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support and is employed by Orbital Gas Systems Ltd. 

The former Clayton Hall Business and Languages College pupil, said: ““It is an honour to be nominated and to receive an award for my work at Orbital.”

Harry was nominated by Richard Law Director of Infrastructure for his support in assisting with the establishment of new business facilities and preparation for a recent industry audit.  Richard commented that “Harry has demonstrated a mature and tenacious approach to his employment over the past 12 months and is already establishing himself as a valuable employee”.
Harry started his Advanced Apprenticeship in September 2012 and has already completed two Electrical units and one fitting unit, as well as units in workplace personal learning and thinking skills and Employment Responsibilities and Rights.
Colin Alaimo, Lecturer/Assessor in Engineering at the College, said: “Harry completes all tasks on time and to a high standard with enthusiasm, showing he understands each departments’ role within the company and the procedures and processes needed for a successful business.”

Orbital is a specialist gas engineering company, delivering integrated instrumentation and engineered solutions to the gas utilities, industrial process and environmental industries.   The company have grown significantly from being a small specialist subcontractor, into one of the largest solution providers in the UK industrial gas market.
Harry is based at the company’s five acre Head Office in Staffordshire where Orbital’s team of engineers and project managers run a project in its entirety, from conception through detailed design and in house build, then on to site installation with commissioning and subsequent training of personnel.

Through studying an Advanced Apprenticeship Harry has the opportunity to work in all aspects of the business.  The Apprenticeship allows him to spend time in various departments where he can gain knowledge and experience of all the company’s procedures and products.

Orbital has been running an apprentice scheme for two years in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College with Harry being one of the first formal apprentices within the company.
Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, said: “I’m delighted that Harry has been recognised for his outstanding contributions during his apprenticeship.  Here at NULC we work with over 500 employers across Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire to provide quality and cost effective work-based training which benefits the local economy.  Harry is a shining example of how work-based training is a successful alternative to traditional academic study and can benefit both employers and their workforce.”