Hartlepool apprentice Danny is a real bright spark

Adult learner Danny has been taken on as an apprentice by Hartlepool-based Shoreline Fire and Security, allowing him to finish his course in electrical engineering.

Partners Peter Boyd and Andrew Brown set up the firm just over a year ago and have plenty of experience between them of the benefits of apprenticeships.

“Andrew was actually my apprentice when he was 16 – he’s 28 now,” said Peter.

“We have been working together since he left school.”

The pair had decided to look at an older apprentice as a deliberate choice.

“Danny is 28 himself and has been at Hartlepool College for four or five years, but could not finish his course because there is no funding for individuals over 21,” said Peter.

“There are a lot of good lads who just can’t get on with starting their working life.”

Shoreline provides alarm and fire security services for a range of clients, from domestic premises to businesses, and works with several larger firms as a sub-contractor.

Taking on electrical engineering student Danny would help to tackle a serious skills shortage in the industry, said Peter.

“There is a problem across the country finding fire and security engineers,” said Peter.

“It is not something you can do at college, you can’t learn it anywhere else than at work, hence the shortage of engineers.”