Babcock engineering apprentice benefits from accelerated College qualification route

Former soldier, Mark Fleming is one of a group of Babcock Modern Apprentices currently undertaking a pilot training scheme delivered by Carnegie College. The new accelerated course has been designed by the College and Babcock Marine in conjunction with the sector skills council SEMTA, and the awarding body EAL. Modern Apprentice, Mark, is currently undertaking an accelerated SVQ Level 3 course in Fabrication and Welding. Following his army career, he was employed by Babcock as a forklift truck and sideloader operator, but was looking for a route to ‘get into a trade’. Steve Harris, Business Development Advisor at Carnegie, said ‘The new scheme utilises a point-based progress and monitoring system whereby candidates with previous work experience, assessed by College Assessors, can be rewarded for achieving the required skills at a faster rate than the traditional model. Mark is an excellent example of someone using his previous employment skills to benefit from vocational training. He is progressing very well through the new accelerated programme – something he attributes to his previous work practices in the Army and with Babcock. This is a real ‘win-win’ situation for both the apprentice and the employer. Apprentices have a real incentive to progress, and employers gain a competent and qualified member of staff after a reduced period of training.’ Mark added ‘I’m very grateful to Babcock for this opportunity to better myself. I am determined to make the most of it, and believe my life experience and age has been a major help in the hard work needed to achieve a lot of learning over a short space of time.’ Steve continued ‘Mark is one of over 550 Skillseekers, Modern Apprentices and commercial candidates undertaking Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) with Carnegie. Today’s economic challenges mean that organisatons need a skilled workforce to help them remain competitive. These work-based qualifications, ranging from Administration to Welding and from Hospitality to Computing, play a major role in providing employees with up-to-date and relevant skills.' Posted 9 July 2010