SKILLS
Chris Atkinson – automotive steel store co-ordinator / supervisor at AV Dawson Port of Middlesbrough .
Meet some of the adult apprentices being given their chance to shine
Apprenticeships an opportunity for growth
A
family man with more than a decade in the job , Chris Atkinson didn ’ t imagine his career would see him studying an apprenticeship .
But with the chance to pick up new skills and qualifications , the 31-year-old wasn ’ t going to skip the opportunity when it came along .
Now in a supervisory role at AV Dawson ’ s Port of Middlesbrough , he says : “ This has been a brilliant opportunity and something I would never have dreamed of doing .”
Chris is among an increasing number of employees given the chance to upskill through apprenticeships .
Tamsin Edwards , group business development manager for Etc . for Business , says : “ Apprenticeships are a great tool for employers to grow and develop their workforce , both through recruitment and the upskilling of existing staff .”
Part of the Education Training Collective , the team works with employers to help them understand and access the training opportunities , solutions and incentives available .
Many are unaware of the support on offer , and Tamsin says : “ For some , navigating the changes , particularly in response to the economic impact of the pandemic , can be daunting .”
With increased incentive payments , extended by the chancellor in his spring Budget , and increases to cash bonuses for hiring adult apprentices launching in April , Tamsin said it is worth taking a look .
Chris is a great example of the potential benefits . Undertaking a team leader and supervisor apprenticeship , he recalls : “ At first I was a bit apprehensive about
Tamsin Edwards – Etc . for Business group business development manager .
the workload . With a young family it felt like a lot of commitment , but I ’ m glad I did it .”
He joined the company at 17 as a warehouse operative . “ My manager must have seen something in me , as he has always pushed me forward ,” he says .
Still working towards his apprenticeship as well as a level 3 ILM management qualification with Stockton Riverside College , he was promoted to automotive steel store coordinator / supervisor last year .
He adds : “ For me , it all seemed to fall into place and I am truly thankful .”
Mark Wells , head of engineering at AV Dawson / Port of Middlesbrough , says : “ As a family business with family at the heart of our values , we believe in developing our colleagues , raising aspirations and offering them the opportunity to progress .”
Etc . for Business helps employers develop their future growth plans through recruitment or development of their existing workforce with apprenticeships , commercial courses or sector-based work academies . Offering support from recruitment through to delivery , the team helps businesses identify the grants and incentives currently available . Email business @ the-etc . ac . uk or call 01642 865581 .
110 | Tees Business