Babcock apprentice returns to former school to inspire St Boniface’s students

St Boniface’s Catholic College in Plymouth recently welcomed a very special visitor to their early morning assembly.

Tommy, a second-year Engineering Design & Draughtsperson Apprentice with Babcock International Group, joined Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network (DCTPN) CEO Sharron Robbie for an awareness session with Year Groups 8 and 9.

Tommy – who left St Boniface’s two years ago with a full compliment of GCSEs – spoke to students about the benefits of doing an apprenticeship and his journey from school to working in Devonport Dockyard, the largest dockyard in Western Europe. He very obviously loves his job, and his enthusiasm and pride in his achievements clearly shone through! 

Schools across Plymouth & Torbay are able to receive a range of activity via the KS3 Accelerator Programme.

Funded by the DfE this programme allows younger age pupils to learn more about their post-16 options, in particular work-based, vocational routes. 

Over recent years it has become evident that earlier careers interventions are needed to support young people into making informed choices, be that their GCSE options or a career pathway on leaving school.  

Tommy was certainly kept busy at the session, answering lost of questions from pupils keen to know about his working hours, the type of tasks he carries out on a day-to-day basis and of course most importantly, his salary! 

Sharron commented: “Being able to take along an apprentice ambassador to these events is a fantastic way in which to engage with young people.

“Tommy really made them sit up and listen – he is an amazing advocate of apprenticeships and his employer. A big thank you to Tracy Barnes and the Babcock team for arranging for Tommy to join us.”