During National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), the Bedford Independent visited Bedford College to meet apprentices who are already working in industry while building their futures.
From carpentry workshops to civil engineering projects, the message from students was consistent. Learning on the job makes all the difference.
Quincy Dembienski, who is studying Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, said his path into the trade began with work experience at 15.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my career,” he said. “But once I started looking into carpentry more, my interest just grew. It put me on a straight path of like, yeah, I like this. I wouldn’t mind continuing this until I retire.”
Now a year and a half into his apprenticeship, Quincy says the combination of block-release college study and workplace experience has been key to building confidence.
“I can refine my skills”
“I get eight weeks of work, and then I come back for one week of college,” he explained.
“If I was just at college, I wouldn’t necessarily know how to carry myself in the workplace. But starting at work and then coming back here means I can refine my skills and apply them back at work.
“I can go to my company now, and I’m like any other worker there,” he said. “I can do what everyone else can do. I’m fully confident in my work.”
Owen Reeves, also studying Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, is on his third apprenticeship after two previous companies went under. The experience has only strengthened his belief in the pathway.
“My favourite bit is being at work,” he said. “Through the skills we develop here, we’re able to get a lot of trust from our colleagues. When we start, they’re cautious. But once they see what we’ve learned here, that trust builds.”
Because of his previous experience, Owen is completing the course over one year rather than two. He believes the college element gives apprentices credibility.
“Being able to learn here and then go to work with that confidence definitely helps with the quality of work you can give out,” he said.
For Tom Pennington, who is studying civil engineering while working at the council, the apprenticeship model provides a balance that traditional education alone cannot.
“It’s once a week here during term time,” he said. “It’s useful to learn additional things I might not pick up at work, especially health and safety. But I learn so much in the workplace that would be difficult to learn in education alone.”
Marshall McNamee, who is completing a Level 3 BTEC in the Built Environment alongside his apprenticeship, described the theory-based study as “a stepping stone” that strengthens the technical knowledge behind practical work.
“It helps you apply it in a practical space as well,” he said.
Preparation for working life
Across the different disciplines, the theme is clear. Apprenticeships are not just qualifications but preparation for working life.
Elliot Blair, Group Head of Apprenticeships at the Bedford College Group, said apprenticeships today are for “everybody of all ages”.
These are also across a wide range of sectors, including construction and carpentry, civil engineering, engineering and manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, aviation, electrical installation, and business and professional services, giving learners the opportunity to train in both traditional trades and emerging industries.
“It’s a great opportunity to earn while you learn,” he said. “There is real parity between apprenticeships and university degrees. People can learn, get a recognised qualification and build their career at the same time.”
Blair said apprentices can start at Level 2 and progress through higher levels, opening long-term opportunities. He pointed to former apprentices who have gone on to run successful businesses, demonstrating how the route can lead to senior leadership roles.
The college currently offers around 45 apprenticeship pathways and works with more than 1,000 businesses, from SMEs to large employers.
“It’s not just about the qualification,” Blair said. “It’s about resilience, communication and preparing young people for the rest of their lives.”
For the students themselves, that preparation is already paying off, not in the distant future, but now. As Quincy put it: “Starting from nothing, now I’m fully confident in my work.”
