‘Proud and independent!’

That is how Dylan Worsnop is feeling after landing a full-time job with Acorn Stairlifts.

Dylan shone during his supported internship with the Steeton-based manufacturer, which has now taken him on as a Production Operative.

He relished the practical side of his internship and is delighted it has now led to a permanent position.

He said: “I really enjoyed being at work much better than the academic part of the course. I have a full-time job now so I would definitely recommend doing a supported internship!”

A fruitful partnership

We have been teaming up with Acorn Stairlifts on our supported internships for a number of years. These are work-based study programmes for 16-24 year olds with additional needs who have an Education, Health and Care plan.

By working with our industry partners closely we give our interns opportunities to gain valuable skills, experience and qualifications ‘on-the-job’ – often leading to paid employment.

This benefits the employers as well as the students, as Acorn Stairlifts’ Production Manager, Ryan Baron, explains. He said: “We get to see what the interns are like at work so we know they will be good workers.

“Dylan has been a great addition to the team. He’s performed really well and has a really good attitude and work ethic; he’s polite, a quick learner and is hard working with a great personality.

“He has picked up and learnt new tasks quickly, is good at hitting targets which keeps the factory flowing, and his timekeeping is excellent.”

Just rewards for outstanding commitment

Our Deputy Head of High Needs and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), Emma Rich, added: “We are incredibly proud to see Dylan reach this significant milestone. He has shown unwavering dedication and hard work, even through the holidays, and his determination has been recognised.

“We are thrilled that he has been offered a full-time role with Acorn Stairlifts. This achievement is a testament to his commitment and passion.

“Here’s to the power of supported internships and the incredible opportunities they create!”

Students from Keighley College have achieved six manufacturing industry accolades as part of the Milner Awards.

Sponsored by Keighley Training Consortium, the annual awards recognise the achievements of first year apprentices on the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) programme at the college.

Three apprentices have been selected to receive the main awards: Outstanding Apprentice, Academic Achievement and Skills Achievement, and have been given a cash prize in recognition of their accomplishments. Three additional students have received special recognition awards. 

William Jowitt, director of Keighley Training Consortium and member of the supervisory board of the AME, said: “Apprentices are one of the key engines of economic growth; each year we see ambitious learners strive for excellence through the AME programme. 

“The collaborative approach we’ve seen among apprentices and local employers has been remarkable, clearly demonstrating the value of apprenticeships. These winners, who studied the programme in 2019, have shown exceptional skill development and admirable dedication.”

This year’s Milner Awards took place at Keighley College. Attending the ceremony were the apprenticeship employers, including Produmax and CarnaudMetalbox Engineering and winners Toby Woodhead, Ben Bott, Max Weatherhead, Gabby Lloyd and Suraj Mistry.

Ronnie Magee, Deputy Head of Technology at Keighley College, commented: “We’re extremely proud of our apprentices’ achievements. They’ve gained valuable experience while demonstrating impressive commitment to learning and development. These awards are an amazing opportunity to show how important working together with local employers is for the community.”

The yearly awards were formed in 2015 as the AME programme launched at college. The AME board is part of a district-wide initiative in partnership with the local council and the Careers and Technical Education partnership. The programme is designed to inspire young people to work within the industry, enabling them to obtain the skills needed for employment.

Ben Bott, who won the Outstanding Apprentice Award, added: “I feel incredibly proud to receive such a prestigious award. My mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Produmax has been a pivotal point in my learning and development, equipping me with the technical skills needed to flourish in my career. I have spent the prize money on a new computer in order to complete my college work.”

Toby Woodhead, Keighley College student who works as an apprentice at CarnaudMetalbox, added: “It’s an honour to receive the Practical Workshop Skills Award. I was recognised for the hands-on work I did in the college workshop, such as milling and assembly jobs, as well as the machine building I do as part of my apprenticeship.”

Students from Keighley College have achieved six manufacturing industry accolades as part of the Milner Awards.

Sponsored by Keighley Training Consortium, the annual awards recognise the achievements of first year apprentices on the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) programme at the college.

Three apprentices have been selected to receive the main awards: Outstanding Apprentice, Academic Achievement and Skills Achievement, and have been given a cash prize in recognition of their accomplishments. Three additional students have received special recognition awards. 

William Jowitt, director of Keighley Training Consortium and member of the supervisory board of the AME, said: “Apprentices are one of the key engines of economic growth; each year we see ambitious learners strive for excellence through the AME programme. 

“The collaborative approach we’ve seen among apprentices and local employers has been remarkable, clearly demonstrating the value of apprenticeships. These winners, who studied the programme in 2019, have shown exceptional skill development and admirable dedication.”

This year’s Milner Awards took place at Keighley College. Attending the ceremony were the apprenticeship employers, including Produmax and CarnaudMetalbox Engineering and winners Toby Woodhead, Ben Bott, Max Weatherhead, Gabby Lloyd and Suraj Mistry.

Ronnie Magee, Deputy Head of Technology at Keighley College, commented: “We’re extremely proud of our apprentices’ achievements. They’ve gained valuable experience while demonstrating impressive commitment to learning and development. These awards are an amazing opportunity to show how important working together with local employers is for the community.”

The yearly awards were formed in 2015 as the AME programme launched at college. The AME board is part of a district-wide initiative in partnership with the local council and the Careers and Technical Education partnership. The programme is designed to inspire young people to work within the industry, enabling them to obtain the skills needed for employment.

Ben Bott, who won the Outstanding Apprentice Award, added: “I feel incredibly proud to receive such a prestigious award. My mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Produmax has been a pivotal point in my learning and development, equipping me with the technical skills needed to flourish in my career. I have spent the prize money on a new computer in order to complete my college work.”

Toby Woodhead, Keighley College student who works as an apprentice at CarnaudMetalbox, added: “It’s an honour to receive the Practical Workshop Skills Award. I was recognised for the hands-on work I did in the college workshop, such as milling and assembly jobs, as well as the machine building I do as part of my apprenticeship.”