Four students have been shortlisted for apprenticeships after a visit to a Brompton-on-Swale company.
The Year 11 students from Richmond School and Sixth Form College were invited to visit Swale Scaffolding Ltd for an introduction to the company and an informal discussion about the demands of the job.
The students developed CVs and letters of application and were selected to be considered for work experience, which may lead to them being taken on as Level 2 apprentices.
Swale Scaffolding will recruit three successful candidates in September, with another intake in 2021.
The visit was hosted by Aaron Pepe, contracts manager, and Sarah Seymour, health and safety manager, who explained to the students what they could expect in the role of an apprentice scaffolder.
On-the-job training includes learning how to set up scaffolding, as well as finding out about the materials and tools of the trade and the health and safety requirements.
The students discovered that being a good team player is a important attribute of all employees at the company.
It was a very cold day, when snow fell during the visit, coupled with the tail end of a storm so, whilst touring the premises, the students really experienced what it would feel like to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
Sam Connolly volunteered to try on a scaffolder’s safety harness and was able to experience firsthand how this keeps workers safe.
Matty Davis said: “We gained a good understanding of the role and were shown what it would involve.”
Cameron Jackson added: “We learned the importance of health and safety and that there is a lot more to the job than just putting up poles.”
Liz Mannion, lead teacher for careers, who accompanied the students on the visit, said: “All the students were a credit to the school when looking round the employer’s premises.
“They listened carefully and were very engaged.”
Aaron Pepe is looking forward to the students coming for their work experience.
He said: “The students were inquisitive, interested, asking all the right questions and really got stuck in.”
The school also works closely with members of the Fellmongers who organise an annual apprenticeship awards evening which will take place on Friday 27th March at the Town Hall in Richmond.
