“An apprenticeship with the Council is ideal for anyone who wants to learn”
These are the words used by a young apprentice when describing the benefits of working on a project at North East Lincolnshire Council.
A new free foot wash has been funded by TransPennine Express, and the Council and Blackrow have been working together to deliver the project on their behalf. It has been installed, and is now in full operation on North Prom, opposite the ramped entrance to the railway station.
Tai Kearns, 21, an Apprentice Building Services Engineer with EQUANS, started in August 2023 and has been working on a number of projects across the borough, most recently working on this project.
Tai was tasked with completing the water and drainage application, providing valuable experience in liaising with Anglian Water. This opportunity allowed him to build essential relationships with relevant stakeholders, a skill critical for future projects.
Tai’s other tasks included assessing the feasibility of the installation, executing the installation of the foot wash, ensuring appropriate drainage and establishing a suitable water connection.
The foot wash design was created by Blackrow, who have also done the recycling sculptures along the sea front.
Before being fully operational, there were several elements of the work: To install a drainage pipe and water pipe from the foot wash location, across the pathway to the road, which was completed by local contractors; to install a water pipe across the road from the mains water supply, which was completed by Anglian Water; and finally to install the foot wash itself.
All of these segments have provided valuable insight to Tai and helped him in achieving his goal of becoming a fully qualified engineer in the coming years.
He said: “It’s been ideal for me and I would highly recommend these apprenticeships to anyone who wants to learn whilst gaining experience.”
He added: “This is the first project I’ve worked on independently; helping me gain skills that I may not have got had I not been an apprentice.
“Hopefully I’ve still got a number of years left with the Council and I’m really pleased to have been given all these opportunities to help me kickstart my career.”
Another apprentice working on the project was Archie Taylor, 17, from Blackrow. Designing the structure, Archie was at the heart of the project, learning new ways to problem solve and improve his skills for the future.
He added: “I most enjoyed having the main design control and the independence was a big thing so early on in my course. It has really helped push me into a deeper knowledge of what my job really is.”
For Archie, apprenticeships is something that runs in the family, one of the reasons he was so keen to start one himself. “My dad followed this route, and he has taken this opportunity to become very successful and achieve great things in his working life; it is my aim to achieve the best I physically can and follow the path he has in my prospective career.
“This is a key reason I chose to follow the route I have but also as I enjoy the job I do as it is creative and always interesting no matter the job I am given.
“The benefits of apprenticeships include being opened to the world of work so early on; you have the chance to really improve as a component of a fast-paced company. It is also a very good change of pace compared to education as you learn and develop in your chosen trade all at the same time. The benefits of being an apprentice are never ending and can only be shortened by your own drive in the workplace.
“I would recommend apprenticeships to others as it is a great path to follow. It means that you have job security and the chance to start a career much earlier on than most. From a more realistic view I think that they are just enjoyable, and you can have a good time doing something you love.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, said: “I’m thrilled to hear Tai is gaining the skills and knowledge he needs to help him progress in life.
“Our apprenticeships and graduate programmes are invaluable to many looking to start their careers and I encourage anyone who is thinking about it to apply.”
The foot wash has now been commissioned, and is available to use for free.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Cabinet member for tourism, added: “This is something several businesses have been calling for on the North Prom and it has been a bonus enabling apprenticeship training for the council and Blackrow trainees. Foot washes help keep business premises clean, as well as being useful for families and beach goers. We have a wonderful beach, and this will be a great asset.”
For more information on apprenticeships, graduates and other placement opportunities, visit https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/apprenticeships-graduates-and-placements/
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