Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, supported by Newbury College, have been named as the first ever winners of the Newcomer Employer of the Year award in the Thames Valley regional finals and will now progress to the National Apprenticeship Awards at the NEC in Birmingham on the 14th November.
The highly commended entries and winners were announced at a high profile awards ceremony which was held at Madejski Stadium in Reading on 19th September 2013.
Pat Frith, Sales and Account Manager at Newbury College said, "We are delighted to have supported Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions in structuring and developing their Apprenticeship programme, and that the quality of the Apprenticeship programme is valued as such an asset to their business. It is wonderful to see this commitment recognised in Hitachi's achievement of the Newcomer Employer of the Year Award for the Thames Valley. Everyone at Newbury College wishes them luck in the National Finals in November".
The awards are organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, who received in excess of 1,600 high quality entrants this year. Hitachi Capital's two-year Apprentice Programme, which saw its first intakes last September was commended for its excellent progression opportunities with apprentices getting thoroughly involved in the business and contributing new and fresh ideas. As well as their day-to-day involvement in the business, apprentices are studying at Newbury College to complete an Advanced Diploma in Customer Services.
Steve Pinchen, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions graduate & apprentice scheme manager comments: "We're delighted to be the Thames Valley's best new Apprenticeship Employers and that our early progress with our Apprenticeship Programme has been recognised
"It was a big challenge taking on 13 apprentices in one go over two locations but they've really gelled as a group and their ability to share experiences and work as a team really inspires others. We feel we're also making a big and worthwhile investment in the local community and in doing so, encouraging the future development of the business."
Mark Howard, NAS Divisional Apprenticeship Director, said: "This year's awards were an exceptional showcase of the outstanding apprentices and employers we have in our region. Given the high volume and extraordinary calibre of entries we received, those who reached the regional final really are the cream of the crop.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions for this superb achievement. They are a shining example of how Apprenticeships can allow employers to grow their own talent, and enable apprentices to build real careers."
Roc Technologies in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service and Newbury College is launching an apprentice scheme to attract and develop talented IT professionals from the local community.
The scheme was launched today with the appointment of Roc's first Apprentice. Mathew Lake joined Roc in July and is undertaking a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals at Newbury College. In addition to his college education, Mathew will be working closely with Roc's experienced delivery professionals across a range of client environments.
Commenting on his new role, Mathew said "it's really tough to break into the IT industry for younger people, so it's great to be given the opportunity to develop my skills".
Local MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon, said "I am particularly pleased to hear that Roc has launched an apprentice scheme giving life-changing opportunities for people in the Newbury area".
Roc's investment in apprentices is driven by a desire to deliver excellence and value to its customers whilst nurturing the brightest technical talent. The scheme further cements Roc's commitment to support the local community in West Berkshire as well as addressing youth unemployment.
"There are a lot of bright and enthusiastic people in West Berkshire with a passion for technology. By harnessing this talent we can serve our customers better and give people a chance to show what they've got to offer" commented Steve Shirley, Operations Director at Roc.
Roc's Directors have made a commitment to employ four apprentices in the first phase of this scheme, working closely with Newbury College.
Pat Frith, Sales and Account Manager at Newbury College said, 'We are delighted to be working with Roc Technologies, supporting them in developing their Apprenticeship programme. Newbury College has provided expertise to many employers in structuring and implementing Apprenticeship programmes, as well as working with small business owners employing individual Apprentices. We are pleased that Roc Technologies has had such a positive experience, and applaud their commitment to nurturing talent".
Newbury College sports students have a new football training venue where they will be able to play competitively thanks to new links developed with Newbury Wardens.
The new facilities located at Pigeons Farm, which are governed by Newbury Wardens are an ideal location for the College students. The links that have been established with the College mean the impressive football pitch will be used regularly by the team throughout the College academic year. It also means the College can host fixtures for both local and national competitor games.
The team will begin training on Monday nights, and will also be able to compete against other Colleges once a week on Wednesday afternoons over the football season. Sports Maker Joe Pegg, who has developed the relationship with Newbury Wardens said, "It is fantastic to have access to such an excellent venue. This will be used for club training and fixtures and will really move us into a position where we can compete competitively. Newbury wardens have been a great support".
The Newbury Wardens are delighted the venue will be utilised by up and coming sports students and said, "We are extremely pleased to have this space being used regularly by the College and we look forward to working more closely with them in the future".
All members of the local community are welcome to come and watch their local College compete in the West Berkshire and English Schools National Competition on Wednesday afternoons between now and March. Please check the events page on our website for match fixtures and times.
Newbury College Health and Social Care students hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Wednesday 2 October at 10.30am raising nearly £100 for the Macmillan Cancer Support Unit.
The Health and Social Care Level 2 and 3 students organised and promoted the fundraiser, gathering donations of cakes and treats to be sold on the day. Macmillan's Coffee Mornings have been running since 1991, when 2,600 people registered to hold coffee mornings across the country. Since then it has become Macmillan's biggest fundraising event, raising in total £75 million for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sports Maker and Enrichment Officer Joe Pegg has been working with the students to co-ordinate and support them in organising the event and said, "It's great to raise money to support such a worthy cause. We work hard at the College to fundraise and it is great to see so many students involved. The students worked really well together and their enthusiasm paid off".
Joe has recently taken up the post of enrichment officer and has developed a new programme of enrichment activities for all students which is aimed at increasing student engagement and participation.
Health and Social Care student Daniella Northcote volunteered for the fundraising enrichment activity and said, "I think it is great to be raising money for a good cause such as Macmillan Cancer Support and I've really enjoyed working with other students to organise the event".