Thamesteel apprentice vows to complete training
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The Thamesteel site in
Brielle Way, Sheerness
An apprentice has told how he's
determined to finish his qualification - despite losing his job
from stricken Thamesteel.
Speaking at the start of apprentice
week, Daniel Gebbie from Sheppey, was one of 350 people who lost
their jobs when the steel-making giant went into
administration.
But he had just six months to go to
complete his two-year apprenticeship.
Hundreds of staff were
told last month that Thamesteel had gone into
administration and workers wouldn't be receiving their January
wages.
Administrators are said to be
looking for a buyer, with around 20 firms showing an interest.
About 50 members of staff were kept on in the interim.
But despite losing his placement he says it's a
really good experience to have: "We work; we train - we do
everything a normal worker does, but then we also do what a student
would do.
"We have a mentor walk around with us.
He shows us what to do and how to get on with stuff."
He said news of Thamesteel going
into administration was a huge blow.
"We don't know what companies are out
there at the moment looking for apprentices, but hopefully we can
find something."
He said apprenticeships were
particularly useful, as they offered pay rises every six months, so
apprentices could build up how much they earned by how well they
worked.
Apprentices work with colleges, and
Daniel said these had been particularly helpful at this difficult
time.
He added: "At the end of the day we
are apprentices, and we need the qualifications to finish and get
out there again."
Friday, February 03 2012
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