MP Natascha Engel goes back to College to meet Apprentices

[Chesterfield College]

Natascha Engel, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, has visited Chesterfield College to find out what goes into a modern apprenticeship as part of National Apprenticeship Week. As part of her visit, Natascha met with College apprentices from a wide range of industries, including Joinery and Hairdressing.

A group of apprentices also showed Natascha why the College has recently achieved Technology Exemplar status by demonstrating the mobile phone devices they have been given to report their work. Whilst in the workplace, the apprentices can photograph or video their work in its various stages and send it to College tutors for it to be appraised as part of their coursework. The mobile devices project is partly funded by MoLeNET, the largest and most diverse implementation of mobile learning.

Whilst touring the joinery workshops, Natascha discussed all things apprenticeships with Joinery apprentice, Edward Allcock, 16, who works for his father’s business. Natascha explains, “It’s clear that the College works hard toward helping its apprentices balance their coursework with work for their employers. The digital technology on offer is really impressive, it means each apprentice can simply record and send actual work for College appraisal then and there, allowing them to stay on site with their employer.”

Natascha then visited the health and beauty salons to watch hairdressing apprentices in action, receiving a hair consultation herself. “The apprentices obviously gain great experience by working in actual businesses with real clients. I never get tired of visiting the salon here, it’s always full of hustle and bustle, plus I get a few handy tips on keeping my hair in shape!”