The RPC Group's Apprentice Academy in Oakham has been accepted onto the Government's Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers, enabling the facility to deliver nationally-recognised industry training.

The announcement comes as the Academy marked its fourth anniversary with the awarding of certificates to celebrate the graduation of its first group of apprentices who embarked on their training following its official opening in December 2013.

Joe McDonald, Josh North, Jack Redfern and Tiarnan Nelis have all achieved Certificates in Advanced Apprenticeships in Engineering Level 3, as well as completing an additional qualification in Polymer Processing. They are now undertaking an HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering (Polymer) at Peterborough College.

Presentations were also made to apprentices who are currently in the middle of their training programmes. Certificates in Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeships in Engineering were awarded to James Halifax, Josh Haywood, Toby Hughes, Tom Morris and Ryan Sharpe, and Level 3 Advanced to Tom Vardy.

In addition, the ceremony acknowledged the skills and capabilities of RPC's in-house trainers. Apprentice trainers Allan Spani and Iain Docherty were awarded Assessor and Verifier certificates, and training and development co-ordinator Tracie Hallam received an Assessor certificate.

The presentations were made by Spencer Watts, an ambassador for the Matt Hampson Foundation, a local charity that inspires and supports young people seriously injured for any reason but particularly through sport. Matt was a Leicester Tigers and England Under 21 rugby player who was paralysed from the neck down in a training accident. With his ethos of 'Get Busy Living', the Foundation helps people to rebuild their lives after a life-altering injury.

Spencer was a junior motocross competitor who was paralysed from the waist down at the age of 15. Spencer's 'back on the horse' mentality saw him approach the Foundation for support to resume riding using a modified motorbike. His perseverance and positive attitude so impressed the charity that as well as continuing to compete in motocross, he is now an official ambassador for the Foundation, promoting its many activities and achievements throughout the country.

"This was a very special day for the Training Academy", comments Andy Bloor, Regional Director for RPC Superfos. "Not only were we very proud to acknowledge the success, hard work and dedication of our apprentices, but we were thrilled that Spencer agreed to make the presentations. His courage, positivity and 'can do' attitude are a huge inspiration to us all."

To thank Spencer for his time and inspiring words, RPC presented him with a cheque for £250.00 for the Foundation.

The RPC Apprentice Academy was established to help bring through the next generation of innovators and leaders with the highest skills in engineering and polymer processing. The facility offers short courses and full programmes, which focus on both practical skills and theory, with apprentices able to specialise in either mechanical, electrical or polymer engineering.

"Our Training Academy underlines RPC's commitment to skills investment", concludes Andy Bloor. "Importantly, by being based at a factory, we are able to offer much more practical and work-based learning and experience for our apprentices, which will help to ensure they are fully equipped for a successful long-term career."

For more information on apprenticeship opportunities within RPC, visit www.rpc-group.com/corporate/careers/apprenticeships.

For details of the work of the Matt Hampson Foundation, visit www.matthampsonfoundation.org.

Photo: Spencer Watts (centre) with the apprentices and trainers from the RPC Apprentice Academy.