STEMNET Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network

This week sadly sees the final cohort (cohort 7) of the St Benedicts school young apprentice programme (YAP) at Sellafield. The YAP's are currently located at B111 and are being exposed to a variety of engineering related tasks including hacksawing, filing, electrical wiring etc. This particular group have matured dramatically from the last time we saw them (July 2011), some have mapped their preferred career paths, some are quite open and willing to explore different avenues. All are enjoying the programme we have set for them and are actively involved. As per a lot of other schemes, this one has fell foul of funding cuts, so we do not have a cohort 8. The scheme has been an excellent opportunity for 14-16 yr olds to learn and sample engineering whilst also gaining an NVQ L2 in performing engineering operations. Several  YAP's from each of the 7 cohorts have moved on to a full advanced engineering apprenticeship, proving its value.

Hopefully a replacement scheme can be agreed and implemented.