Pershore land-based service engineering apprentices hit perfect pass rate

Land-based service engineering apprentices at @PershoreColWCG have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate on their end point assessments (EPAs) for the first ever time.

Pershore College, which is part of WCG, is the only provider of the apprenticeship standard in Worcestershire and is now celebrating the success of the most successful cohort in its history.

The apprenticeship attracts participants from all over the UK and helps to develop engineers in the sector for businesses country-wide

There were 41 students in the latest Level 2 and Level 3 cohorts and all passed with flying colours despite a year disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Those taking the apprenticeship range from school leavers to mature students looking to reskill and follow a new career path.

The EPAs test a range of skills and are completed over the course of two days at the college, with tasks ranging from engineer maintenance and electrical testing, to professional discussion and presentations.

Lewis Turner, 19 from Lincolnshire, has one year remaining his apprenticeship while working at Chandlers Farm Equipment and also achieved distinction in his assessments

He added: “We spend three months a year down at the college in one month blocks and they have been very supportive and straightforward in helping us with the assessments.

“My EPA featured hydraulic system servicing, wheel alignment and welding – which are all skills I use on a daily basis, so that was great. I’ve got a five year contract with my Chandlers so I’m looking forward to finishing my apprenticeship and continuing to develop here.”

Tom Voase, 19 from Driffield in Yorkshire, is now entering into Level 3 of the apprenticeship, after achieving Distinction in all three aspects of the assessment.

He works for premier agricultural machinery dealers Peacock & Binnington near Hull and is completing his studies through WCG.

Thomas said: “I’ve been lucky to be able to work through the pandemic and keep progressing in my apprenticeship.

“It was good to be able to get top marks. It’s a type of learning that benefits me and I’ve enjoyed my time at college learning the technical side to support practical work.”

David Finn Team Leader for Work Based Learning, Motor Vehicle & Land Based Engineering at Pershore College, said: “The team at the college have worked hard to ensure that the EPAs were delivered and went ahead smoothly despite the pandemic and to get this result has been a huge success.

“It has been a challenge but it’s a challenge that we have met and that is reflected in the great grades we have received from the external LANTRA assessors.”

The success tops-off a successful year for EPA results across WCG, with Work Based Learning, Business Services, Creative and Care apprentices achieving 51 successful completions and 19 during lockdown.