SMS-Alderley apprentices left high and dry as firm goes under

Specialised Management Services (SMS)-Alderley, in Gorleston, went under last month, leading to hundreds of job losses.

And apprentices - some more than three years through four-year courses - have been told by the college coordinating their training that they have just 12 weeks to find a new employer or they will lose their apprenticeships.

East Coast College, which has campuses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, said the 12-week deadline to find employment is set by the government, which provides funding for apprentices made redundant over that period to allow them to continue their off-the-job training.

READ MORE: Norfolk firm collapses into administration - leading to hundreds of job losses

SMS-Alderley at Gorleston's Beacon Park (Image: Adam Barker)

Rachel Bunn, a director at East Coast College, said: “We are committed to supporting our apprentices to find new employment in the region to allow them to continue their apprenticeship journey and secure their chosen careers.

"Our team are making contact with local employers to secure new opportunities and work with each learner on their next steps.”

READ MORE: Business facing closure after Norfolk firm goes into administration owing it £250,000

WHAT THE APPRENTICES SAY

Noah Harrison, 20, from Lowestoft, was a year through his four-year mechanical engineering apprenticeship at SMS-Alderley when the firm went into administration on July 24.

"I spoke to the college and I was told I have 12 weeks to find a job or my college course will be down the drain, but if I find a job I'll be able to pick the course up again," he said. "There's a lot of pressure on us to find new jobs.

"I was really getting into it and getting used to the work and working environment, but then out of nowhere I didn't have a job."

Noah Harrison was a year through his mechanical engineering apprenticeship when SMS-Alderley went into administration (Image: Supplied)

Alfie King, also 20, from Lowestoft, was halfway through his multi-skilled electrical apprenticeship. 

He said: "If you're fully qualified there's loads of jobs out there, but if you're halfway through an apprenticeship no one wants you because you haven't been trained by them".

Alfie King was halfway through his four-year multi-skilled electrical apprenticeship (Image: Supplied)

Rocco Hall, 20, from Lowestoft, was also halfway through his four-year apprenticeship. 

He said: "Twelve weeks is not a lot of time at all to find a new job. It adds a lot of pressure.

"I've applied to quite a few places and had a couple of replies, but it's a waiting game."

Harley Grimble, 19, from Gorleston, was in his first year.

He said: "We were all shocked and didn't see it coming.

"Finding another company to take me on - on the same course - is going to be difficult.

"Hopefully I'll find another company who will carry that on, but who knows if they will."

Harley Grimble was in the first year of his electrical apprenticeship (Image: Supplied)

Harrison Frazer, 19, from Gorleston, had just finished the second year of his apprenticeship.

"I've found something but I'm waiting for the college to confirm if they can facilitate the training," he said.

"But they can't give me an answer until the tutors are back from summer." 

Harrison Frazer was halfway through his mechatronics apprenticeship (Image: Supplied)

The government's 2023/24 apprenticeship funding rules state it will fund to completion any apprentice who has either completed at least 75pc of their practical period or who is within six months of their final day of training.

Apprentices who are made redundant will be provided funding support from the government for a minimum of 12 weeks to allow off-the-job training to continue as planned while they look for another job.

While unemployed, the apprentices will not receive a wage.