South Devon College encourage more engineering and manufacturing companies to take on apprentices

21-year-old Jack Faulkner says he spent his childhood taking electronic items apart and then not being able to put them back together again.

Fast forward a few years and Jack says he’s now working in the perfect place surrounded by electronics.

Jack is an engineering technician degree apprentice at Bay Photonics, a high-tech engineering company in Paignton. In his fourth year of his engineering degree at University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College, Jack is a shining example of how an apprenticeship can fast forward someone’s career.

Jack is one of the lucky ones. South Devon College says it has more than 200 young people currently waiting to start an apprenticeship, but not enough local businesses are stepping forward to take them on.

The College has issued an urgent call to employers across South Devon and Torbay with its 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days campaign.

“If the apprenticeship scheme hadn’t existed,” said Jack, “I’d probably still be on my car mechanic pathway which interested me at the time, but I think I always knew it wouldn’t have lasted for me. I would have wanted something different, something more in-depth.

Jack says he’s grown in confidence a lot since starting his apprenticeship at Bay Photonics. “I’ve had ideas listened to and taken on board. It’s very clear we’re being invested in as apprentices, and that the business cares because they are training us, which is really nice.

“I’m part of a team and I move around the business, so I’m exposed to lots of different jobs, skills and products.”

The business, set up almost 20 years ago, manufactures highly specialised optical and electronic components and says its apprentices are not only an asset to the business but also integral to bringing on the next generation of top quality engineers.

Bay Photonics currently has four apprentices and works closely with South Devon College and the University Centre.

Richard Poustie, Operations Manager said, “ The apprentices will initially get hands on experience along with a basic understanding of Photonics. This gives them a broad picture of the business and customer requirements. As they develop skills, they will run the automated equipment, being mentored by our highly qualified engineers, this will involve fault finding and some basic programming of the machines.”

Richard says all the apprentices are valuable members to the business. “Working relationships with all members of staff is paramount and the apprentices are no exception, this is critical to ensure they benefit from the wealth of experience available .”

To ensure the apprentices thrive and develop within the company they work across all departments before choosing the area they want to be based in.

Richard talks very highly of Jack who he says has a huge appetite to learn and absorb lots of information. “He’s learnt a lot on the job and at university and he’s become an asset to the business.

“Photonics is constantly evolving. Having apprentices working alongside experienced engineers means we are developing people who understand our niche skills from the beginning. It supports our long-term growth and helps address the wider skills gap in the sector.

“The assumption that an apprentice is a 16-year-old just out of school is not correct. Our apprentices have spent time at the local college and then decided they wanted to become apprentices in the photonics industry.”

“Apprentices bring energy and a willingness to learn that is great for any team! It’s such a brilliant way to develop future talent while giving young people real-world experience in the photonics industry - right here in Torbay!”

South Devon College says Bay Photonics is an example of how apprenticeships can support innovation and specialist industries within the region.

Laurence Frewin, CEO and Principal of South Devon College said,“ Hi tech businesses in Torbay and the Southwest need a strong talent pipeline. Apprenticeships offer a practical and cost-effective way to build that pipeline locally. Bay Photonics has shown what is possible when employers embrace apprenticeships as part of their strategy.”

Currently in his final year of his engineering technical degree apprenticeship, Jack is already thinking ahead “I aspire to run my own electronics business sometime in the future,” he said.

The College is encouraging other advanced manufacturing and engineering firms to explore the model, particularly as more than 200 young people are currently waiting to start apprenticeships across South Devon.

For more information visit our campaign webpage 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days - South Devon College  or email employers@southdevon.ac.uk