For this National Apprenticeship Week, we will be celebrating and highlighting Bridgwater & Taunton College apprentices that stand out in their field. Those who have succeeded in their role, and who arn’t afraid to push themselves to achieve their goals!

Monday 5 March – Melissa Teacy

Melissa comes highly recommended by her clients, who both trust and value her judgement. She has helped many individuals to reach their goals, actively listening to their aspirations and concerns and never failing to charm them with her broad, infectious smile – including her employer, who has already agreed to progress her to the Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship next. Melissa is a pleasure to work with and her employer believes she has the ability to succeed at everything she puts her mind to.

Melissa is a Bridgwater & Taunton College apprentice who works for 1610 Glastonbury Leisure Centre. She has previously won the Apprentice of the Year Award at the Bridgwater & Taunton College Apprenticeship Awards and has since been nominated for an award at the Somerset Apprenticeship Awards with Grow Somerset Talent, which are being held this Friday!

Tuesday 6 March – Matt Haines

Throughout Matt’s Apprenticeship he has always shown enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. He is a pleasure to work with, and his employer has been extremely impressed by his development and increased self-confidence. We sincerely believe that Matt now has the skills, knowledge and determination he will need to steer his family farm through the uncertain times and tough challenges that may come his way in future. Matt is very proud to have achieved a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Agriculture whilst working full-time on the farm.

Matt is a Bridgwater & Taunton College apprentice who works on his family farm, JG & HM Haines & Son.

Wednesday 7 March – Jennifer Horsey

After completing my A Levels, I contacted one of the Training Co-ordinators at the College who helped me select the most suitable employer. I applied to Mulberry, a fashion brand known for their luxury leather bags, and was accepted on to their Apprenticeship Scheme. I completed my Apprenticeship with Mulberry in August 2017 and discovered the shoemakers James Taylor & Son were looking for an Apprentice, also with Bridgwater & Taunton College. After discussing it with my Assessor and Training Co-ordinator I decided it was the right decision to transfer to James Taylor & Son and continue with my Apprenticeship – it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Currently I have experience of closing (stitching) shoe uppers, lasting, pattern cutting, CAD and sketching shoe designs, but there is so much more to learn. By the end of my two year Apprenticeship I will have experience of making a shoe from beginning to end, making me a very valuable employee. I couldn’t have achieved all I have without the continued support from College staff. They ensured I made the most of all the opportunities I had and I’m excited for my future in shoemaking.

Jennifer is a Bridgwater & Taunton College apprentice who works for James Taylor & Son shoemakers.

Thursday 8 March – Daniel Glover

Message from Dan’s employer,

“Dan is a fantastic asset to our company, he is enthusiastic and able to accurately follow instruction. Dan always participates fully in design meetings, coming up with a number of original ideas and concepts, as well as suggesting ways in which others might improve their designs or overcome their problems. Dan is a well-respected team member because he has a can-do attitude, listens well and works hard.”

Apprenticeship Drop-in Sessions

We have drop-in sessions running all week for those who are already at Bridgwater & Taunton College and are interested in studying an Apprenticeship. Click here for details of times and locations.