NEWS ARCHIVE
MOD apprentices enjoy a day Coasteering
A pioneering programme delivered by Falmouth Marine School for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomed its second group of new recruits this week.
Falmouth Marine School are working with Gordano Training and the MOD to deliver a bespoke HNC in Engineering as part of an advanced apprenticeship scheme.
The fourteen apprentices from Plymouth Naval Base travelled to Falmouth Marine School in preparation for their Higher National Certificate in Marine Engineering. During the three day induction, the recruits explored the units of study and talked through the live projects they will be undertaking at their work placements.
Once the formal induction was complete the apprentices enjoyed an evening getting to know each other and the tutors at the Top House Inn on the Lizard, with an overnight stay at the local youth hostel.
The next morning found the apprentices on the cliff top above Bass Rock changing into wetsuits and life jackets for a team building exercise in Coasteering, where they spent two hours traversing a Coasteering course with Falmouth Marine School lecturer and Chair of the National Coasteering Charter, John-Paul Eatock.
John-Paul commented: “Coasteering is one of the fastest growing and exciting activities in the UK. In partnership with the National Trust, who provides unique settings for us to use, we were able to give the apprentices a challenging and fun team building exercise.
New recruit and ex RAF employee Darren Barns said: "The induction was really useful. The Coasteering offered a great opportunity to become familiar with coastal environment whilst simultaneously having fun.”
The university course is generally delivered one day a week over two years; however the fourteen students on the higher level apprenticeship scheme will complete the class based element in an intense 16 week block.
Laura Holmes who completed her programme of study before Christmas, commented: "I really enjoyed the programme. The delivery of the HNC was intense but perfect in order to instantly apply the theory to the workplace, the new apprentices will get a lot from it; I’m sure.”
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, of which Falmouth Marine School is part commented: "The College has 30 years of experience in providing university courses which are designed with employers to ensure they meet the needs of industry. At our recent OFSTED inspection we acquired an 'outstanding' for our work with employers, this programme is a prime example of that work."
