Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills and Enterprise, congratulates Calor Gas' latest graduate apprentices
In a ceremony held today, 31st October, at the Houses of Parliament, Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills and Enterprise, congratulated seven graduate apprentices for Calor Gas Ltd.
The Calor Gas apprentices have undertaken a two-year training programme at Birmingham Metropolitan College. During this period of training, they have undertaken a formal Level 3 gas installation and maintenance qualification
Now qualified, they are able to legally work in homes to install and maintain LPG appliances, inspect and test gas pipework and provide legislative certification. They will also be able to advise on fuel efficiency and sustainable energy.
Aged between 19 and 24, the apprentices hail from towns and cities across the country.
Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills and Enterprise, said: ‘Apprenticeships offer the ideal opportunity for ambitious young people and adults to get ahead while earning a wage – and for employers to recruit the brightest and best recruits. We want apprenticeships to become the new norm alongside university. I congratulate these Calor apprentices on all their hard work and success over the past two years and wish them the best of luck in their future careers.’
Sally Owen, HR Manager – Training, Calor Gas Ltd, said: ‘Calor is a great advocate of apprenticeships as a way of attracting and retaining talented individuals, helping us to have in place the high standards of skills and knowledge we need to meet our customers’ needs now and in the future. We have been extremely impressed by this group of apprentices’ attitudes over the course of the programme; the college-based learning and on-the-job training has demanded significant commitment and effort. Past Calor apprentices have experienced rewarding and successful careers within the group and we see no reason why this should not be the same for these young employees. We wish them every success with their careers with Calor.’
Kevin Stevens, Faculty Director at Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Centre of Excellence for Construction Building Services, said:
‘Birmingham Metropolitan College works with a number of national employers across Birmingham and the Black Country to deliver apprenticeships, of which Calor Gas is one. To date, seven of their apprentices have studied with us and completed Level 3 Gas Installation Maintenance courses, at the same time benefiting from additional qualifications covering health and safety and customer service as part of their training. It’s our aim as a Centre of Excellence to ensure that apprentices are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to perform to the best of their ability whilst at work and it’s very rewarding for our staff, in particular, to see their efforts and achievements being recognised in this way.’
Quotes from the apprentices
Chris Moxon, 21, from Cholsey, near Wallingford in Oxfordshire
‘I wanted a long-term career, and already had an interest in heating systems. The Calor apprenticeship scheme has given me an opportunity to work with both customers and colleagues that many similar schemes might not have allowed me to do.’
Joshua Fox, 22, from Barnsley in Yorkshire
‘I am delighted to be graduating today. I have gained skills that will set me up for life through this apprenticeship, and I look forward to the future.’
David Scrymgeour, 24, from Nairn, near Inverness
‘I wanted a career in a sector with growth and chose this apprenticeship on that basis. Working with Calor has shown me that there are huge opportunities in the industry.’
Rhys Simmonds, 20 from Telford in Shropshire
‘By completing this apprenticeship, I have not only gained a trade but also enjoyed a challenge which applied technical knowledge. I am thrilled to be graduating today and look forward to the future with Calor.’
Gary O’Dea, 20, from Falkirk in Scotland
‘I am really happy to be graduating from the Calor apprenticeship scheme today and look forward to the future, with great prospects, having gained this qualification.’
Jordan Evans, 19 from Preston in Lancashire
‘When I left school, I wanted a hands-on role, working as part of a team, as well as a qualification that would set me up for life. The Calor apprenticeship scheme has delivered all of these, in an extremely rewarding environment.’
James Reed, 23, from Cullompton in Devon
‘I found out about the Calor apprenticeship through the Government’s apprenticeship website, and am delighted to be graduating today with a lifelong trade and skill.’
