Skillbuilders and County Training work together

Two apprentices from County Training have been working alongside Skillbuilders and recently took part in a live demonstration to pupils at Ludlow C of E School.

Apprentices Rory Bunting from Leominster and Andy Link from Craven Arms, both 20, who work at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey near Leominster, joined forces with Skillbuilders at the school on 13 March to demonstrate their cooking skills to a group of students.

First established in 2001, Skilbuilders has grown into an award-winning project that has worked with a host of schools, colleges and small businesses in the Ludlow Marches Area. From a seed sown in 2001 at the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, an award-winning group of volunteers has developed a set of very practical training and work experience opportunities for young people, which has proved to be very successful.

Graeme Perks, founder of Skillbuilders, commented: “Working with successful County Training apprentices, Rory and Andy, helps to give youngsters a real taste for the hospitality and catering trade. It allows them to meet with real professionals and get a real interactive experience."

He went on to add “Working alongside the teachers at Ludlow school has proved to be a key ingredient to the co-ordination and the success of the sessions. The pioneering work carried out by Mr. Neil (who recently awarded the Best Design Technology Teacher in England award) on the furniture project and Mrs Jones and Mrs Lowden, who have worked on the Ludlow afterschool food club, has made a real difference and is being shared with other schools which is so positive."

Rory and Andy joined County Training, part of Shropshire County Council, in 2006. Rory achieved his Professional Cookery Apprenticeship in June 2007, and is now working towards his Professional Cookery Level 3. Rory commented "I really enjoy my job and have received fantastic support from all the staff and from County Training. I am still learning so much and would recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone."

Councillor Barbara Craig, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for community services commented: "Skillbuilders has presented a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to gain an insight into a wide variety of trades, which are vital to the economy and growth of our county. This is a fine example of how schools, partners and providers, through collaborative working, can provide youngsters with a greater awareness of opportunities."

Working in partnership with the schools and with Skillbuilders could have very positive effects all over the county, as youngsters are gaining first hand insights into different occupational areas.

Andy, who is Head Chef at the Riverside Inn, is working towards an advanced apprenticeship in Hospitality Supervision. Elizabeth Gresko, owner of the Riverside Inn, commented: "Rory and Andy are a joy to work with. Rory has become an experienced, keen and eager young chef who is always striving to develop his skills and Andy is a fantastic role model to his colleagues and gives 110% at all times."

If you’re aged between 16 – 24 and would like to gain skills and qualifications whilst you earn, an apprenticeship could be for you. For further information, please call Nigel Parry or Laura Havercroft on 01952 200677. If you would like further information about Skillbuilders, please contact Graeme Perks on 01584 856562 or gperk@meadowdesigns.co.uk.

28 March 2008