Alan Sugar helps m&e apprentices promote training awareness

BAA apprentices recently attended a Learning and Skills Council round-table event to highlight the importance of apprenticeships to employers.

Put forward by awarding body EAL as part of National Apprenticeship Week, Laura (19), Emma (21) and Daniel (21) discussed the future of workplace-based training with Alan Sugar and secretaries of state John Denham and Ed Balls.

Currently working towards EAL's Level 3 NVQ in Engineering Maintenance, the BAA apprentices are a prime example of how apprenticeships benefit employers whilst starting young people out on successful careers. BAA offers education and skills programmes at seven UK airports.

Colin Wiggins, apprentice & technical training manager at BAA, explains: "By immersing themselves into the practical day-to-day experience of the workplaec, apprentices quickly gain the required levels of knowledge, understanding and productivity, whilst profiting their employer through outstanding performance and loyalty. For us, taking on apprentices has proven to be the most effective way to nurture and develop our workforce.”

This year, 120 EAL apprentices employed across Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports will celebrate the 30th year of BAA’s apprenticeship scheme.