(L-R) Gary Thorpe (Access Skills Adviser), Malcolm Webb (direct line manager with IDS Fire and Security) and
Chris Darling.
One of the first jobs tackled by security systems engineer Chris Darling after he completed his apprenticeship was with the training provider which boosted his career.
The 21-year-old, from Kingston Park, Newcastle, who successfully completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Security Systems earlier this year, almost immediately found himself back with training provider Access.
But this time it was to install fire safety and security systems at the company’s new headquarters in the recently completed £6 million Gateshead Skills Academy on Team Valley.
Having quickly impressed his employer, IDS Fire and Security, Chris was offered a permanent position as he worked towards his apprenticeship qualification.
He said: “My training has taken me a long way in a fairly short space of time but I never imagined I’d be returning to Access so quickly - as a fully qualified professional rather than a student!”
The move to Skills Academy, funded by the Learning and Skills Council and One North East, is part of Access’ ambitious expansion plans. Managing director, Malcolm Armstrong, said: “It’s a very exciting time for us and it’s quite fitting that a former apprentice is helping us with our expansion.
“Work based learning, like apprenticeships, offer valuable experience and preparation for the working world, providing great career prospects for young people, as Chris is proving.”
From its new base Access is now better placed to support the drive to improve the skills of the North East workforce and help the region to remain productive and competitive. To do this it has reorganised operations to focus on three key areas.
Access Business Solutions works with employers to identify their business and training needs, providing advice on training solutions and helping to secure funding for training. Access Apprenticeships focuses on the government’s flagship training programmes for 16-24 year olds, building on the company’s excellent reputation for tailoring these national programmes for individual employers. Access Training encompasses all other training services for employers and employees including Train to Gain, commercial and short course provision, teaching and learning programmes and conference facilities.
