SEEVIC

Barbara Follett, Minister for the East of England met with two SEEVIC College Apprentices on a recent visit to Canvey Island. The visit enabled Mrs Follett to view the regeneration plans for the Borough, which include proposed plans for Canvey Skills Campus, a new vocational centre led by SEEVIC College.

Barbara Follett said: “Apprenticeships offer young people valuable opportunities they otherwise would not have to build their skills and work experience. It also instills in them a work ethic for them in their careers and is something employers are looking for.” 

To mark National Apprenticeship Week two successful apprentices from SEEVIC College were introduced to the Minister. Billy Gorringe, 18, has recently completed the Sports Coaching Apprenticeship and has secured a job as a Sports Coach at Castle View School, where he worked as an Assistant PE Instructor during his Apprenticeship. SEEVIC College tutors and the school also encouraged him to nominate for National Apprentice of the year.

Billy said: “I was really glad that they thought of me as a potential candidate for Apprentice of the year and it was nice to see that they were proud of what I had achieved. I was really pleased to get the opportunity to be nominated.

“I was excited when I was offered a job at Castle View School. I love what I do and it’s great working with children. I really enjoy watching how they improve and get a lot of satisfaction from seeing them learning new skills”

Ryan Clark, 17, is a current Sports Coaching Apprentice at the College who was also introduced to Mrs Follett. Ryan Said: “I always knew I wanted to do coaching but I didn’t know what training was available. I went to a SEEVIC Open Evening and got some excellent advice so decided to do an Apprenticeship.

“I also work at Castle View School and lead the warm up for lots of sports including dance, football and netball. I really look up to Billy, he is a great role model and he really helps me out. When I finish the Apprenticeship I want to continue to do coaching.”

Jane Fletcher from Castle View School, who accompanied the Apprentices on their visit to meet the Minister said: “Working with SEEVIC College on the Apprenticeship Programme has been an excellent experience and has bought enormous benefits to the school. It has been a valuable experience having the Apprentices in the PE department as it has allowed us to do a lot more individual extra-curricular coaching and increased the individual teaching within lessons, it has also given us continuity in our club activities.
 
“Billy has responded well in the department and has really fitted into the role well with his kind and caring personality. He loves Rugby and his enthusiasm and interest  has helped with the further development of  Rugby within the school; we don’t know how we coped without him before.”