Apprentices achieve NVQ Level 2 Engineering Qualifications



Two young lads who left school with no qualifications in 2004 are now on their way to becoming qualified engineers. Sam Davies and Chris Stuart were taken on by Stevens Rowsell and Co Ltd four years ago after the pair couldn’t find permanent jobs in the town.

After an initial 3 month probation period they were given 12 months working throughout the factory before going on to an EDF backed formal apprenticeship scheme. In October 2008 and after 2 years of study and tuition they both passed their NVQ level 2 foundation in engineering with flying colours.

Stuart Small, Managing Director of Stevens Rowsell and Co Ltd, said: "We took Sam and Chris on when they were both 17. They had pretty bleak prospects, especially as they had left school with no formal qualifications and couldn't get employment in the town but they came to us with the right attitude and enthusiasm to work so we gave them the opportunity of learning a formal skill.

"We gave them 12 months experience working within various departments throughout the factory to build up their basic knowledge and to see what they were like and if they possessed a particular interest or ability in any of the disciplines.”

"Chris took well to welding and Sam did well in pressbrake folding so we put them under the guidance and mentoring of our Welding Supervisor Mick Gale and Pressbrake Supervisor Paul Button, both of whom are hugely experienced in their areas of expertise and firm believers in training the younger lads. “

"We brought in the Employment Development Forum (EDF) to provide a modern apprenticeship scheme for NVQ Level 2 in engineering. They had to undertake many different work modules both practical and theoretical and regularly sat tests.”

"They also received personal tutoring after hours on a Friday with our Technical Manager Hugh Ross and by myself.”

"Through hard work, application a few sacrifices and the dedication of their mentors the guys now find themselves with a proper skilled academic qualification, permanent secure jobs and with good prospects for the future."

Mr Davies said: "Coming to Stevens Rowsell has turned out brilliantly for me because not many other people my age get the chance to do an apprenticeship. It's really good for my career having an employer that wants me to do well and become a highly skilled engineer."

Mr Stuart said: "The apprenticeship training has given me the chance to get an engineering qualification in something I really love doing and now I'm looking forward to studying for NVQ level 3 and perfecting my welding skills and knowledge."

Both lads, who are aged 21, will go on to study for their NVQ Level 3 in engineering in early 2009.

They are currently employed as a Welder and a Pressbrake Operator at Stevens Rowsell & Co Ltd.

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