CONSTRUCTION and plumbing apprentices at Wiltshire College & University Centre have been building essential skills for life during National Apprenticeship Week, thanks to a series of hands-on site safety sessions delivered by industry experts.
Dozens of apprentices took part in the practical workshops that ran across Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury campuses. During the session they received up-to-date site safety guidance alongside the opportunity to try out the latest professional power tools.
The sessions led by expert Thomas Lanaghan Innovation Onsite Specialist at Makita, who drew on his own experience working on construction sites to reinforce the importance of safe, efficient working practices.
“I took them through our Be Safe training course, which is an apprentice training module that covers site safety, PPE and safe and correct machine use,” Thomas said. “They’ve had demonstrations of the five steps of safety and a chance to ask questions and I’ve been impressed with the way they’ve responded.”
A highlight of the 90-minute sessions was the chance to try out a range of power saws, drills and other equipment, giving apprentice the chance to develop confidence with the tools they are likely to use on site. Apprentices received safety certificates at the end of each session, recognising their learning and commitment to best practice.
Lecturer Rob Garraway. who invited Makita to deliver the sessions, said the sessions were invaluable for the apprentices, who come into college one day a week, alongside their employment.
“It was really useful and relevant to all of them and they enjoyed it,” he said. “They loved using the power tools and for many of them the experience will be useful when they are on site. These are the tools they’ll be using and for them to see the latest advances in technology was great – but the safety messages were just as important.”
Thomas also demonstrated the latest battery technology, which is allowing more and more tools to be used without dangerous cables on sites. “It’s really good for the staff and I to get some development as well,” said Rob. “Sessions like this help us stay up to date and it was really good of Thomas to give up his time to support our apprentices.”
The sessions reflect the Skills for life theme of National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting how apprenticeships combine technical training with essential knowledge around safety, responsibility and professional standards – skills that support learners throughout their careers.
National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate apprenticeships, highlight student and employer success, and explore how apprenticeships help people develop skills for life across a wide range of industries.
