Two Bedford College construction apprentices came top in their class in the regional divisions of the National Apprenticeships Awards 2021.
Kelly Durham-Flinter won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Kelly, of Bedford, now works for Bedford Borough Council and is moving into Environmental Engineering.
She was previously a quality control engineer at a ceramics manufacturer but always had an interest in civil engineering – more particularly bridge building.
When looking for an apprenticeship for her son, she realised she could be a mature apprentice, applied and is now heading towards a job she couldn’t have dreamed of when at school.
Jo Adkins, of Little Addington, Northants, won the regional Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year.
She has been working for highways in Northants and is now doing the job she really wanted: Traffic Engineer – keeping the roads moving across the county.
“As an ‘ageing’ student trying to switch careers with no previous experience in the field I wanted, I was nervous. I wanted to repay the chance given to me by my family and the college and my employer.”
She had a message for other apprentices: “I hope students realise how fortunate they are, and that if they work hard they will succeed.”
Teddy Kye-Nyarko Head of Technical and Professional Training and Fradreck Mutezo, Training Co-ordinator were both congratulated by Vice Principal Karen Campbell and Director of Construction David Wilkins on their dedication in helping apprentices achieve so much during the challenges of lockdown.
Said David: “This shows how people can re-visit the career of their choice when they are older and that apprenticeships are a good route into high quality jobs – for everyone who makes the commitment.
“The construction industry is crying out for skilled and professional employees who can help with civil engineering contracts and we are here to bring both parties together.”
The Bedford College Group has a wide range of construction training facilities across Beds and Northants ranging from entry level full-time courses to apprentices for people aged 16 and over, higher diplomas and degrees.
Full details www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk
