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Bournemouth & Poole College and Caterpillar are celebrating more than ten years of apprenticeship placements and are recognizing a key member of the Caterpillar team for her contributions to the successful endeavor.
Sandra Orchard, facilities engineering supervisor at Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd, who initiated the program in 2012, announced her retirement earlier this year.
“Initially the program was limited to Engineering apprentices, but over the years we expanded it to include Finance and Business Administration apprentices as well,” said Orchard. “It has been rewarding to lead the apprenticeship program and see the growth and development of the participants, as they move onto Degree apprenticeships and gain permanent employment within Caterpillar.”
When asked about specific accomplishments of her time working on the apprenticeship program, she reflects on the successes of the apprentices themselves: “Witnessing Ollie Dukes, Ben Lusted and Will Perry become apprentices of the year and finalists in Dorset Business/Apprenticeship Awards were definitely highlights for me.”
She reflected on what has made the program such a success, “Part of it has been the liaison with Bournemouth & Poole and their teams – from the recruitment side through to the tutors and assessors.”
Craig Robinson, apprenticeship manager for Engineering, Marine and Motor at Bournemouth & Poole College, echoed the sentiment and said, “Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd has an exciting and productive apprenticeship program with excellent communication links through Sandra. The College can communicate effectively and efficiently on all matters concerning the program along with welfare and well-being issues. This enables both parties to implement plans enabling the apprentices to continue developing and progressing towards their end goals.”
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Tony Suttle, facility manager at Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd, agreed: “Our apprenticeship program is a key part of our development/succession planning. Apprentices have the opportunity to further their education by continuing onto Degree Apprenticeships and gain permanent employment with us. This is a great way to maintain our talent pool. The relationship with Bournemouth & Poole College continues to be a success from both parties.”
While Bournemouth & Poole College is sad to see Sandra depart, the team wishes her all the best in her retirement and remains committed to its apprenticeship program with Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd for the future.
Find out more about The College’s Marine apprenticeship programs here.
Bournemouth & Poole The College - Apprenticeships we offer:
Apprenticeships we offer | Bournemouth and Poole College (thecollege.co.uk)
Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering - Marine Technologies:
