CWA staff step into the world of apprenticeships for ‘Back to the Floor’ 2026

Members of the senior management team from the College of West Anglia swapped their usual roles to experience life as an apprentice first-hand, as part of the College’s 2026 ‘Back to the Floor’ initiative.

The annual project gives staff the chance to understand exactly what apprentices’ day-to-day work is like, strengthening the College’s ability to support learners and deepen its connection with local industry.

David Pomfret, Principal and CEO of CWA, spent the day alongside apprentices Christian Duncan, George Collinson, Victoria Hoy, and Mairi McDaid at Searles Leisure Resort in Hunstanton. He observed practical training, speaking with current apprentices who are working throughout the organisation, and gained insight into the skills being developed. David reflected on his time at Searles and said that “The senior management team get an incredibly valuable opportunity through Back to the Floor to spend time with our apprentices and employer partners in real professional environments and see first-hand the impact of the work they are doing. I was delighted to have the chance to visit Searles today and spend time with apprentices who are making a fantastic impact throughout the organisation. It is important for our senior team to understand the challenges and successes on the ground, to listen, and to ensure that what we deliver at CWA continues to support high-quality training, strong employer relationships and positive outcomes for learners and businesses across the region.”

Vice Chair of the Governors, Jan Feeney, also took the time to visit Buttercups Pre-School in King’s Lynn. She shadowed Lilly Jane Sargeant who is undertaking the Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Apprenticeship. Jan observed after her time at Buttercups, “Back to the Floor is an important way for governors to gain a real understanding of how the College supports learners and employers in a professional environment. Seeing the delivery first-hand reinforces the vital role that CWA plays in developing skills, strengthening local partnerships, and responding to the needs of our regional workforce. It provides valuable insight that helps to ensure the College’s strategic direction continues to align with economic priorities and delivers meaningful outcomes for both learners and businesses. It was a fantastic opportunity to see the apprentice, Lily, in the workplace, demonstrating her knowledge and skills in interacting with the children, and I had great fun helping them make the Play-Doh and reading a story to a group of children.”

Immersing himself in a typical workday at Bespak in King’s Lynn, Paul Harrison, Vice Principal, Corporate Services, followed Matthew Dumble, who is undertaking a Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship; as he carried out workplace tasks and hands-on learning. Paul commented that, “Spending time at Bespak and meeting their apprentices was a real reminder of the impact high-quality training and the strong partnerships between the employer and CWA have in shaping the future talent. It was great to hear directly from Matthew about their experiences and ambitions. But also, to see first-hand how this collaboration is supporting the development of skilled professionals across the business.”

Shadowing Rueben Doy, an apprentice at Kier Limited, Rob Petto, Assistant Principal Funding, Performance and Projects, explored the skills and techniques used in the groundwork apprenticeship, while being on call with Anglian Water. Rob was able to see first-hand the lessons that Reuben had learnt, both in college and with his employer, as he fixed a burst water main in Upwell. Rob said, “Meeting Reuben at Kier was a fantastic opportunity to see how College of West Anglia apprentices are gaining real, hands-on experience. It was clear that Reuben is already a valued and productive member of the team, which highlights the value of apprenticeships in helping individuals develop the skills employers need, while meeting current and future workforce needs.”

Kerry Heathcote, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO, spent the afternoon shadowing Ellie Mae Nichols at Setra Wood Products, gaining insight into her day-to-day role as a Level 2 Customer Service Apprentice and the skills she applied in the workplace. Ellie, who was a regional finalist in the Rising Star category of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, demonstrated how she engages in all aspects of reactive and proactive customer services, sales tasks, and developing customer relations.

Kerry reflected on her experience at Setra, saying, “Meeting with CWA Apprentice Ellie and the Setra team was an absolute delight. Ellie’s dedication to the role and desire to develop, progress and contribute to the future success of the organisation is nothing short of inspirational. I am incredibly grateful to Stuart Newman, Setra Managing Director, for his comprehensive and insightful tour of the site, which I found fascinating. “

Spending the day onsite with apprentices at G T Bunnings in Dereham, Paul O’Shea, Assistant Principal, Student Services, saw first-hand how the apprentices, RJ Westwood and Jamie Cooper, both played a vital role through their Level 3 Standard Engineering Metal Fabrication apprenticeships in the process of manufacturing muck spreaders. Paul said, “It was a real pleasure to spend the afternoon with our metal fabrication and engineering apprentices at GT Bunning. I was really impressed by their knowledge and skill, and the sheer enthusiasm they had for their work was truly inspiring. Jamie and RJ clearly love what they do, and it was evident from what I saw and heard that they are superbly guided in their development by a supportive company who are passionate about giving opportunities to young people in Norfolk.”

CWA continues to strengthen the bridge between education and employment by ensuring staff understand the evolving needs of local industries. This year’s Back to the Floor week reaffirmed CWA’s commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeships that equip learners for long term success, while nurturing strong partnerships with employers across the region.