Managers get '˜Back to the Floor' in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week

Four managers from the college went back to their roots at various business locations in Scunthorpe to work alongside existing apprentices in a ‘back to the floor’ event in support of National Apprenticeship Week 2017.

The College has been carrying out this activity for a number of years; allowing managers get a real feel for the role as an apprentice, often taking them back to where they started in their careers and experiencing the variety of tasks each apprentice undertakes and how they contribute to the success of the business as a whole.

Mick Lochran (North Lindsey College Deputy Principal) spent a morning at TSC Foods, he said: “It was great to spend some time with an apprentice at TSC Foods who the College have worked with over the last 20 years. The event was hosted by Mark Newlands (Engineering Manager) who is also a past student of the College.” 

In recognition of the importance of apprenticeships to the local economy, North Lindsey College set itself the challenge of recruiting 100 new apprenticeships in 100 days again this year which was exceeded last year. The College has over 600 apprentices with local and regional employers and is the largest provider of apprenticeships including higher apprenticeships.

Karon Smith (Curriculum Leader in Hair and Beauty) spent the morning at Eden Hair in Scunthorpe. Karon completed a blow dry, created a window display and generally helped the salon team.

Karon said: “I was treated like an apprentice for my ‘Back to the Floor’ session, I thoroughly enjoyed it and everyone was highly professional. We have two apprentices based at Eden and this was a fantastic opportunity to experience a day in their life - they never stop working!

“The customers thought it was a great idea and it made me realise the work apprentices do and the benefits to a business. I have since asked all my staff to engage is some ‘back to the floor’ work experience.”

The Principal, Anne Tyrrell, spent some time with the Strategic Workforce and Management Team at North Lincolnshire Council and said: “A really interesting experience where I learnt a great deal about the important work that is going on all the time to ensure the health and well-being of people across North Lincolnshire. Helen and the team are clearly so committed and dedicated to making a positive difference and it was encouraging to find that many of the issues they face are

similar to those we are challenged with in education. Taking the opportunity to go back to the floor does give an insight into work across many different sectors and to see it through a different lens. Thank you to Helen Tindell and her team for making it possible.”

The College’s lecturer in accounts Nicholas Walker went back to the floor at Lindsey Lodge Hospice. He spent time with Level 3 Apprentice, Joseph King, in the accounting office. He looked at the business system and how they operate its accounting structure.

Business Development Director, Jill Cooper, commented, “We have a shortage of skills and experience in many sectors and apprentices can help to bridge that gap and develop people we need to meet local needs. Apprenticeships offer both employers and individuals a fantastic opportunity to ensure businesses have the skills for the future. Whether developing existing staff or employing new staff, apprenticeships are a great opportunity for both parties.”