The owners of Bracknell-based company Campbell West are calling for a change in approach to how apprenticeships are promoted to school leavers following the Chancellor’s pledge to boost apprenticeship training in a £50-million pilot scheme.

Steven Campbell and Daniel West, who left school at 16 to embark on apprenticeships and now run a £10-million firm, welcomed Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement announcement that will “stimulate” apprenticeships in engineering and other growth sectors.

But say urgent action must address a fundamental lack of awareness among school pupils about how the apprenticeship route can support a career in engineering so young people are in a better position to make key decisions when they leave school.

Mr Campbell said: “Our company is strongly committed to supporting the development of young people through apprenticeships, so we welcome the Chancellor’s £50-million training stimulus.

“But we are concerned that there is still a lack of awareness of apprenticeships – primarily the learning-on-the-job aspect – as a route to a role in engineering.

“Our concern is that students are being directed to desk-based courses which don’t equip learners sufficiently for the working world.”

He continued: “As part of this new funding, we want to see a light shone on what apprenticeships can offer school-leavers.

“Too many young people opt for courses which are simply not fit for purpose. This is not their fault; they are simply not given the whole range of options when they need it the most.”

Mechanical engineering is an increasingly important part of business activity for the duo, who were apprentice plumbers, before launching Campbell West, in 2017.

They initially focused on the healthcare sector before working in local government, education settings, data centres, workspaces and industrial buildings, plus residential projects before adding engineering to their specialisms.

Mr West added: “We know from personal experience that a good apprenticeship can be a ticket for a bright future for young people.

“But it borders on heartbreaking when young people come to us after undertaking college courses with certificates that aren’t worth the money they are printed on when they enter the real world.

“If the Government wants to get bang for its buck, then it needs to focus on guidance for 15- and 16-year-olds so they’re more aware of what apprenticeship can offer so they don’t waste their time on inappropriate courses.”

Campbell West strengthened the company’s workforce and the company’s air-conditioning offer and have shown their continued faith in the apprentice training system with a £10,000 investment in two members of their team.

In a move that underlines Campbell West’s commitment to development of their personnel, two staff member have passed a 15-day course “with flying colours” to qualify as certified F-Gas engineers.

Frank Smith and Tommy Gill have been praised after bolstering their skillset by completing a new starter refrigeration course at Ellis Training in Hertfordshire.

Their double success follows a prestigious triple seal of approval for Campbell West as it strives to enhance quality, environmental and health and safety performance.

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