RPC : Apprentices’ Success Celebrated by the Importance of Positivity

An inspirational talk from a young man who has overcome huge adversity was the highlight of a special ceremony that celebrated the successes of the first group of apprentices to complete their training at the RPC Group's Apprentice Academy in Schofield Road, Oakham.

Spencer Watts is an ambassador for the Matt Hampson Foundation, a local charity that inspires and supports young people seriously injured for any reason but particularly through sport. Matt was a Leicester Tigers and England Under 21 rugby player who was paralysed from the neck down in a training accident. With his ethos of 'Get Busy Living', the Foundation helps people to rebuild their lives after a life-altering injury.

Spencer was a junior motocross competitor who was paralysed from the waist down at the age of 15. Spencer's 'back on the horse' mentality saw him approach the Foundation for support to resume riding using a modified motorbike. His perseverance and positive attitude so impressed the charity that as well as continuing to compete in motocross, he is now an official ambassador for the Foundation, promoting its many activities and achievements throughout the country.

Spencer was guest of honour at the ceremony and presented the certificates to the apprentices.

Joe McDonald, Josh North, Jack Redfern and Tiarnan Nelis have all achieved Certificates in Advanced Apprenticeships in Engineering Level 3, as well as completing an additional qualification in Polymer Processing. They are now undertaking an HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering (Polymer) at Peterborough College.

Presentations were also made to apprentices who are currently in the middle of their training programmes. Certificates in Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeships in Engineering were awarded to James Halifax, Josh Haywood, Toby Hughes, Tom Morris and Ryan Sharpe, and Level 3 Advanced to Tom Vardy.

In addition, the ceremony acknowledged the skills and capabilities of RPC's in-house trainers. Apprentice trainers Allan Spani and Iain Docherty were awarded Assessor and Verifier certificates, and training and development co-ordinator Tracie Hallam received an Assessor certificate.

'This was a very special day for the Training Academy,' comments Andy Bloor, Regional Director for RPC Superfos. 'Not only were we very proud to acknowledge the success, hard work and dedication of our apprentices, but we were thrilled that Spencer agreed to make the presentations. His courage, positivity and 'can do' attitude are a huge inspiration to us all.'
To thank Spencer for his time and inspiring words, RPC presented him with a cheque for £250.00 for the Foundation.

The RPC Apprentice Academy was established to help bring through the next generation of innovators and leaders with the highest skills in engineering and polymer processing. The facility offers short courses and full programmes, which focus on both practical skills and theory, with apprentices able to specialise in either mechanical, electrical or polymer engineering. Officially opened in December 2013, the Academy has marked its fourth anniversary by being accepted onto the Government's Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers, enabling the facility to deliver nationally-recognised industry qualifications.

'Our Training Academy underlines RPC's commitment to skills investment,' concludes Andy Bloor. 'Importantly, by being based at a factory, we are able to offer much more practical and work-based learning and experience for our apprentices, which will help to ensure they are fully equipped for a successful long-term career.'

For more information on apprenticeship opportunities within RPC, visit www.rpc-group.com/corporate/careers/apprenticeships.
For details of the work of the Matt Hampson Foundation, visit www.matthampsonfoundation.org.