Real training for real jobs

Bedford College Engineering students with their tutor.Students studying engineering at Bedford College are going on to apprenticeships and real jobs in modern engineering.
 
Links between the College and employers in industry ensure that training given on campus supports the requirements of developing industries.
 
Alex Jones of Flitwick and Ben Fullbrook of Luton joined Bedford College straight from school, aged 16, to study full time for a National Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. They have now joined SELEX Galileo on a prestigious 4 year apprenticeship scheme, after successfully completing their National Diploma studies.
 
As part of their apprenticeships they have now returned to Bedford College to study HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
 
Duncan McLaren, course tutor, (pictured above with Ben and Alex) explained: “Our courses offer students the chance to turn GCSEs into higher qualifications and apprenticeships and on to real jobs.  Courses include specialist units put together after consultation with industry, so that we know we are meeting industry needs. This puts students in an excellent position to take up apprenticeships and jobs.”
 
Joe Sullivan, Electronics Instructor, added: “You often get one chance and for Ben and Alex this could be that chance.  After 2 years full time study with Bedford College they have a real result at the end of it.  They are now on their way with apprenticeships that will lead them on to real jobs in an industry they are specially trained for.  We are delighted they have returned to Bedford College to study HNC.”
 
Alex and Ben said: “We are both glad we chose Bedford College after looking at other Colleges when leaving school. The lecturers are fantastic and really help you.
 
“As apprentices at SELEX Galileo we have a real chance to continue studying and go on to careers in engineering.  We are learning so much from it already.  An audit of SELEX rated the apprenticeship scheme the highest score possible - you don't get this sort of apprenticeship scheme anywhere. We will make the most of it.”