The first ever apprentices to study spacecraft operations are to embark on their new course this month.

The two students are among 200 to chose to embark on an apprenticeship at Truro and Penwith College across 40 different courses.

The students will work in their chosen area, while studying for nationally recognised qualifications ranging from entry level intermediate apprenticeships to university level higher apprenticeships.

The Outstanding Ofsted-rated college said some of the jobs apprentices range from software development, construction and digital marketing to accountancy, business and management and engineering.

Truro and Penwith College spacecraft operations apprentices working at Avanti at Goonhilly on The Lizard

A spokesman for the college, one of the main sponsors of the Cornwall Live Edge Awards, said that three new courses have been created this year in response to employer demand in the engineering, baking and aerospace industries.

Tom Northern previously completed an IT Practitioners General IT Level 3 Extended Diploma at the college and went on to try university for one year before deciding it wasn’t for him.

The 21-year-old has already gained valuable work experience through a Level 3 apprenticeship in the digital sector and is one of this year’s successful applicants for the Level 4 software development apprenticeship programme that will see him work in a new role as a space operations apprentice for Avanti Communications at Goonhilly.

A key part of his role will require him to monitor and maintain satellites that have been launched into orbit to help provide high-speed satellite broadband to Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Avanti is currently enhancing its operations in wider parts of Africa to connect even the most rural areas to enable more people to become digital citizens.

One of the largest antennae at Goonhilly
One of the largest antennae at Goonhilly

Tom said: "I’ve always had an interest in space and I was really keen to be part of the work Avanti is doing. Monitoring and maintaining their satellites while also developing my computer programming skills sounds really good and I can’t wait to get started.

"Truro and Penwith College as a place to learn was really good, tutors helped me get back on track and I achieved a triple distinction so I’m looking forward to returning here."

Andy Stittle, director of teaching and learning at the college, added: "We are thrilled to see that the Apprenticeship route is proving to be a suitable option for many of our learners."

From the cosmos to the kitchen, Prima Bakeries and Warrens Bakery have been working in partnership with the college over recent months to attract young people to careers in the traditional craft of Cornish baking.

As a result a new state-of-the-art bakery kitchen has been built at Penwith College for students to learn and practice on.

How do I enter the Edge Awards?

Edge awards strap 2.PNG

All entries should relate to work carried out in the 12 months to September 1, 2018, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the form on our dedicated website - CornwallEdgeAwards.co.uk - to submit your entry and include a one-minute video pitch about your business plus any other supporting material you wish to add.

You can nominate yourself, your team, your company or someone else you feel deserves the award. You can enter as many different categories as you like.

The awards will be judged by a panel to include Cornwall Live and our partners, including headline sponsors, Invest in Cornwall .

Entries close on Wednesday 3rd October.

Here are the categories

  • Most inspirational educational IT/ digital/ multimedia project
  • Digital rising star - sponsored by Truro and Penwith College
  • Best video, animation or game
  • Best space tech start-up or SME
  • Best smart energy company
  • Best community/ social use of digital - sponsored by Avanti
  • Best digital innovation in tourism
  • Best digital innovation in agritech
  • Best digital innovation in marine
  • Best digital innovation in healthcare
  • Best fintech company
  • Best digital media company - sponsored by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub
  • Best software developer/s
  • The Edge Award for Excellence - sponsored by Invest In Cornwall

Mark Norton, managing director at Prima said: "It is absolutely essential that new blood is developed for the bakery industry.

"We believe this is best done by being trained by specialist and experienced bakery professionals in a dedicated environment. We are confident that the college’s bakery team understand our business needs and the standards we expect our apprentices to meet."

Apprenticeship vacancies are always open at the college and anyone over the age of 16 can apply.

They can be found on the College website www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/apprenticeshipjobs or for more information call the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team on 01872 242711.