Trainees from across Europe head for Devon

A Devon-based work placement company is preparing for its busiest summer yet with hundreds of trainees travelling to the South West from across Europe.

A record number of trainees, more than 220, will be welcomed by The Training Partnership (TTPL) in July. Another 75 will arrive in August.

The company, based at Torquay Innovation Centre, works with hundreds of Devon firms to provide placements in different sectors ranging from engineering and IT to tourism and retail.

Ian Smith, TTPL’s Work Placement Manager, said: “We work closely with companies to develop work placements that work well for them and our trainees. July is going to be our busiest ever month, which is testament to the quality placements that we are able to provide.

“We are competing against many London-focused companies, but believe the great businesses we have in the South West, the support we provide trainees and the West Country being such a lovely part of the world, makes for a great cultural experience!”

South Devon College Engineering Department, Claron Hydraulic Services, Speeder Ltd, Chelston Hall Surgery, Kents Cavern, Crealy Great Adventure Parks and Paignton Zoo are among the many companies benefiting from TTPL work placement trainees.

Many of the trainees are graduates and have very good English language skills. Trainees from countries including Germany, France, Italy and Spain will be arriving in the coming days.

Firms across Torbay, Exeter, Plymouth and the South Hams are working with TTPL to provide work placements.

Nigel Wilkinson, of WNW Design in Exeter, said: “The trainees we have had on placement from TTPL over the past eight years have been of a remarkably high standard and have added to our business in many ways.  Bringing their skill, energy and enthusiasm to projects has been a breath of fresh air into the business, making us see how we work in new and exciting ways. 

“Working in all departments of the business, we have had TTPL graduates in marketing, finance, web development and graphic design. We are still in regular contact with many of those who worked with us over the years and we are looking forwarded to the next TTPL trainee joining us at the end of July. I would recommend the TTPL experience to any business.”

Steve Smith, from Claron Hydraulics in Paignton, which offers work placements, said: “We find it very interesting when we welcome trainees from different countries as we all learn a different way of doing things. When they are learning, they ask questions which flag up the loopholes that we can then close. They contribute in a really positive way to our output and if we ever have any problems, TTPL have always dealt with them quickly and efficiently.”

TTPL has recently been recognised for the high quality of its work with trainees from UK qualifications awarding organisation APTEd. Direct Claim Status was awarded for a second year following a visit by inspectors covering areas including learner support, resources and assessment.

For more information on TTPL visit www.ttpl-uk.com