Thursday 07 July 2010
A teenage sculptor and metalworker has been named Apprentice of the Year at
the West Midlands Apprenticeship Awards 2010.
19-year-old Jak Forester has been able to learn at work during the 18
months of his engineering apprenticeship so far. He started the placement
after finishing a course at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and found
that the programme allowed him to develop his creative skills.
Jak stood out as a prize-winning apprentice after he turned the designs of
local school children into sculptures and made another piece to stand at
the entrance to Hanley Forest Park. He also created a new signpost for a
caravan park as the result of a commission by Aspire Housing.
Thrill-seeking Jak said he would one day like to become a rollercoaster
engineer. He added, "It was brilliant to feel like I was the best in the
West Midlands. I love the work I do and I love going to work each day. I
don't think many people can say that.”
His apprenticeship has been made possible through PM Training, which helps
young, disadvantaged people to get training and get back to work.
Staffordshire Housing Association, which commissioned the sculpture at
Hanley Park, said, "It was great to work with a social enterprise which is
giving young people a chance to develop. Jak is really engaged in what he
is doing and takes real pride in his work."
Jak has now completed his NVQ Level 2 and is moving on to an advanced
apprenticeship.
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