BRIDGWATER and Taunton College has been described as a ‘showcase’ college by skills and apprenticeships minister Robert Halfon during a visit.

During a tour of the Bridgwater campus, the minister spent time with apprentices doing construction, electrical installation and working for companies including the Ministry Of Defence, Cavendish Nuclear, SKF and Rolls Royce.

Before setting off on a tour of Hinkley Point, the minister enjoyed lunch prepared by the catering apprentices.

Mr Halfon said: “It is International Apprenticeships Week and I wanted to visit colleges where we know remarkable work is going on with apprenticeships. This and this is one of those places.

“I’ve been here during the course of the morning and met electrical apprentices, MoD apprentices, people from all walks of life and this college is an inspirational showcase.

"The apprentices are earning while they are learning – some are doing degree apprenticeships where they are guaranteed jobs at the end.”

“These courses give them the chance to get skills, get training and that will lead to jobs and prosperity in the future.”

Mr Halfon said the apprenticeship schemes benefitted both big and small businesses, to ensure they got the skills they would need in the future.

Will is one of the Bridgwater College students studying for an apprenticeship with the MoD.

“The MoD came in to the college and gave a really good talk which persuaded me to apply and so far I am really enjoying it,” he said.

“They treat their staff incredibly well and it is a privilege to work for them.
“My dad was an electrical apprentice, so I thought of going down that route, but the links programme at the college makes you aware of the opportunities available and massively widens your horizons as to what you can do.”