A growing partnership between West Nottinghamshire College and local electrical contractor Lukes & Godwin is set to create new opportunities for budding electricians to take their first steps into industry.
(Left to right) Andrew Stevens, head of centre at Portland Square, Shaun Middleton, director at Lukes & Godwin Ltd and Danielle Askham, work placement engagement officer for construction.
The company is working closely with the college to support students into meaningful industry placements and apprenticeships, with interviews for its next electrical apprentice due to take place shortly.
The relationship has been developed by Danielle Askham, work placement officer for construction at the college, working alongside colleagues in the employer engagement team to build stronger links between students and the local electrical industry.
Interestingly, it began after an originally planned work placement with another student fell through. Rather than allowing the opportunity to disappear, Danielle continued the conversation with Lukes & Godwin and raised the possibility of the company meeting some Level 2 students who had already gained industry experience as part of their course.
Danielle said: “It was one of those occasions where something not working out actually opened the door to something much bigger.
“What began with a conversation about one opportunity has developed into something with much greater potential. We’ve been able to talk about apprenticeships, work placements and ways the company could support students across different levels of study.
“It’s a great example of what can happen when employers and college teams work together, and with my colleague Matty Holden, we’re delighted with how things have gone. We’re now looking forward to seeing who might take that next step with Lukes & Godwin.”
The partnership comes at an exciting time for electrical training at the college following the opening of its new Portland Square campus in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The centre provides specialist electrical and plumbing training in the heart of the town, helping more young people from Ashfield and the surrounding area to develop the practical skills sought by local employers.
With Lukes & Godwin looking for its next electrical apprentice, a Level 3 student from the college is now progressing through the recruitment process, with the prospect of becoming the company’s latest recruit.
Andrew Stevens, head of centre at Portland Square, said: “Our aim at Portland Square is not simply to teach students the technical skills they need, but to help them turn those skills into real careers.
“Strong relationships with employers such as Lukes & Godwin are an important part of that. They give our students the opportunity to experience the realities of the workplace, learn from experienced professionals and demonstrate what they can offer an employer.
“With a new generation of electrical students now developing their skills at Portland Square, it’s exciting to think that one of them could become a future Lukes & Godwin apprentice.”
Shaun Middleton, director at Lukes & Godwin Ltd, said: “We want to play our part in bringing the next generation of electricians into the industry. With workloads growing and the country working towards lower carbon emissions, it’s increasingly important that we have skilled young people coming through and choosing electrical careers.
“When we’re looking for an apprentice, we want someone who is punctual, respectful towards their colleagues and customers, and, most importantly, willing to learn and work hard. Someone with those qualities has every opportunity to succeed.
“By partnering with the college, we can help young people take those final steps from training into employment, giving them experience of the industry and supporting them towards their goal of becoming qualified electricians. Hopefully, for some of them, that career could be with Lukes & Godwin.”
Danielle added: “For students, these opportunities can be the bridge between learning a trade and starting their career. Getting out on site, working alongside qualified electricians and experiencing different jobs and working environments can build both their skills and their confidence.
“We’re hugely grateful to Shaun and Lukes & Godwin for being willing to invest their time and experience in the next generation, and we’re looking forward to seeing where the partnership goes next.”
The college will continue working with Lukes & Godwin to explore further opportunities for electrical students, including work experience and potential future apprenticeships.