Chesterfield’s apprentice engineers swap with footballers

The Big Apprentice Swap took place during National Apprenticeship week (9^th to 13^th March) and was organised by NLT Training Service. As part of the Big Apprentice Swap the CFC apprentices gained hands-on experience in welding, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering at NLT’s workshop. Whereas, NLT’s apprentices spent the day as footballers, undergoing physical training both in the gym and on the pitch at the Proact stadium. Four of the NLT training services apprentices who took part in the swap were from Chesterfield-based Brettex Site Services.

Jordan Ragen, Maintenance Apprentice, Brettex, said: “I enjoy what I do on my apprenticeship, which involves engineering sewage equipment. I really like that I get to travel a lot as well as work hard. Taking part in the apprentice swap has been a real eye-opener into the world of football for me. I’ve always been a CFC supporter and I’m a keen football fan in general so I was thrilled to be able to come and participate.”

Sandra Nicholson, SHEQ Manager, Brettex, added: “Brettex Site Services are committed to employing apprentices, as they allow our business to secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities that the business needs and are especially important for the replacement of an ageing workforce. We have found that our previous apprentices have tended to stay within the organisation hence our labour turnover is low.”

Conner White, Chesterfield Football Club Apprentice, said: “We’re normally training for most of the week so the apprentice swap has been very different from what we’re used to! It’s been great to be able to learn life skills, I’ve even learnt how to fix a plug for the first time.”

Andy Sheppard, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services, said: “The apprentice swap has given a fascinating insight into engineering for the future stars of Chesterfield Football Club, whilst our engineering apprentices experienced a day in the life of a football star. It was agreat way to promote apprenticeships in our region.”