Apprentices on the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) APTUS programme, graduated this week (Monday 20 May) after nearly two years at Forth Valley College.
They have completed a comprehensive 21-month journey at FVC and will now transition into the oil and gas industry – in both offshore and onshore workplaces - for the remainder of their modern apprenticeship, where they will complete their Vocational Qualification (VQ) over the next two years.
During their time at College, the apprentices (pictured) – who are from various parts of the UK and have lived in a Falkirk hotel while attending College - have completed a National Certificate (NC) and Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualifications and a Level 2 Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations.
Adrian Wookey, ECITB, Head of New Entrants Engineering, said: “The APTUS programme is well-respected and a tried and tested vehicle for delivering new talent into the energy industry. It was reassuring to see that Forth Valley College have again given these apprentices the best possible preparation for their future careers, as they leave the centre and embark on their exciting journeys with their employers. We wish them well and offer congratulations for the hard work they have put into ensuring they complete this significant milestone in their fledgling careers.”
Caroline Hogg, FVC’s Head of Apprenticeships, said: "It's great once again to see a superb cohort of second year ECITB Modern Apprentices mobilising after completing an intensive hands-on programme for 20 months at Forth Valley College. This programme is another example of the excellent relationship we have with ECITB.
“Both ECITB and Forth Valley College play an important role in supporting the Scottish economy. The APTUS apprenticeship programme is building a tremendous reputation for training and developing new engineering and construction professionals, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the future."
Charlene Bissett, FVC Apprenticeship Officer, said: “As their Apprenticeship Officer, it has been immensely rewarding to witness the apprentices' grow and mature over the past two years. Being away from home is challenging, but they have demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard work. I am confident they will continue to excel in the next stage of their apprenticeship. They are a credit to Forth Valley College, ECITB and their employers.”
For more information on the MA programme at FVC visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ and to find out more about ECITB visit https://www.ecitb.org.uk/