Gemma Smith: A suitable job for a woman

You could be forgiven for thinking that plumbing is just a job for the boys. But one female apprentice is working hard and proving she has what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Gemma Smith, 28 from Huddersfield is studying an Apprenticeship in Plumbing at the college's Huddersfield Centre. Working for her dad's plumbing company while she studies, Gemma is on her second year of the course.

The only girl in the group, Gemma has really grown in confidence and would encourage other women to follow in her footsteps.

Gemma said:

The course has backed up the skills I've been learning on site with my dad. I've always wanted to be a plumber and have worked part time for my dad since I was a teenager. He recently encouraged me to come to college to do the apprenticeship and it's been great. I've loved the course and the satisfaction you get from learning and achieving good grades.

Rob Utley, plumbing curriculum team leader said:

Gemma has already achieved distinctions in all of her course modules and her future is looking really bright. She's recently become our plumber of the month after achieving 98 per cent in one of her modules, just one mark away from full marks.

I'm really proud of everything Gemma's done this year and it just shows that this qualification can really bring out the best in someone. I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do next year

After her Apprenticeship, Gemma hopes to continue with her study and complete a level 3 qualification at Kirklees College

Faye Campbell: Snipping her way to salon success

Faye Campbell had dreams of becoming a successful hairdresser from a very young age. The training and skills she gained studying an Apprenticeship at college made those dreams come true.

Now the owner of Mods and Rockers salon in Huddersfield, Faye, 26 from Lindley, felt an Apprenticeship was the best way to gain knowledge and qualifications whilst working in a commercial salon.

Since gaining her Apprenticeship, Faye has never looked back. Her time at the college has helped to open doors, encouraged her to travel and study for further qualifications.

Faye said:

Kirklees College taught me that education is the key; it helps you to continually improve yourself and gives you the skills you need to teach other people. I studied at college one day a week and worked in The Hair Room in Huddersfield the other four. The college helped to teach me a trade and I've made a successful career out of it. I've travelled to Greece and Ireland working as a hairdresser and I've now had my own salon for almost two years.

Chris Cockroft: From Lockwood to Sydney

Chris Cockroft recently moved to Australia for a job as a mechanical fitter; a move he couldn't have made without his engineering Apprenticeship at Kirkless College.

Chris, 21 from Lockwood started his Apprenticeship in Mechanical Maintenance in 2007 and qualified this summer. Chris applied for the Apprenticeship at Kirklees College through his employer Cummins Engineering Turbo Technologies, and between the two, learned the skills that have made his move possible.

After handing in his CV at an emigration exhibition in Leeds, Chris was quickly recruited by German company, Liebherr to work at its Australian site, based two hours north of Sydney. With an attractive offer, Chris now enjoys double his UK pay, a company car, covered relocation expenses and ongoing support.

Chris said:

This was an opportunity I'd regret not taking. I went to Australia in 2004 with my parents and really enjoyed it. It's a different lifestyle, with more money and career prospects in my trade.

I never thought the move was realistic and I didn't choose my course thinking I would ever go to Australia; it just happened. I went to the exhibition to see what's out there for guys in my trade. I found this opportunity and couldn't be happier.

Andrew Roberts, engineering tutor at Kirklees College said:

Chris has done exceptionally well for himself, and there is no doubt the first class training he received from the college has enabled Chris to make this choice. I'm sure Chris will not be the last of the college's apprentices to take their skills and knowledge to other parts of the world.

Oliver Marshall: Engineering his future

Leaving Kirklees College in 2011, Oliver Marshall, 21 from Halifax thinks his apprenticeship in electrical was the right move for him.

Oliver said:

I think that to work in engineering you need to be able to focus and work hard, but also be laid back enough to get on as part of a team

Marshalls uses the college for other training of their engineers as well as my apprenticeship. The apprentices and the fully qualified staff are encouraged to let them know if they feel they need to learn more or update their skills. I came back to college recently for an additional City and Guilds qualification

Like many employers involved in engineering, Marshalls believe in developing their staff to make sure they are fully skilled. This has resulted in staff staying long-term and that they keep up with the changes in technology and regulations

Oliver, said:

College has given me the knowledge I need for work, and you gain different skills from both organisations. I'm hoping that I would be able to stay on once I qualify, I know a few of their electrical engineers will be looking to retire in the next few years.

Oliver will finish his apprenticeship in 2011/12, completing his fourth year studies at Huddersfield University.