HRH Royal Opening
A Royal Opening for MCFT's Technical Academy
18th September was a momentous day for all at MCFT; not only did we have the pleasure of receiving an award as No 1 SME apprentice provider, we also had the honour of hosting HRH The Princess Royal to open their new training facility in Reading.
MCFT were delighted to be invited to the House of Lords, London, in the morning of 18th September to be presented with their award, along with other businesses from across the UK. Andrew Richman – UK Managing Director, Samantha Marshall Davies - Head of Learning & Development, and current apprentice, Sophie Scott attended the ceremony.
In the afternoon of 18th HRH The Princess Royal arrived to formally open our new Training Facility. Welcomed by Lyndsey Beard - Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire and the MCFT Senior Team; Chris Craggs – Founder, George Roberts-Smith – Group CEO, Andrew Richman – UK Managing Director, along with MCFT’s Senior Training team; Samantha Marshall Davies - Head of Learning and Development and Colin Tomlinson - Technical Academy Manager.
Her Royal Highness began by touring the training classrooms, each with a cohort of apprentices and speaking to both trainers and trainees, The Princess Royal showed a keen appreciation of the life journey that learners are engaged on – joining with minimal experience, from a variety of jobs, undertaking a Level 3 technical apprenticeship.
Chris Craggs commented:
“One topic which drew HRH’s particular attention was the refurbishment of recovered equipment: Our Pre-loved Programme – which is equipment recovered from customers in reasonable condition, brought back to the Academy where our apprentices work to repair and refurbish the equipment before, working with Plunkett UK, passing these on to community causes – soup kitchens, sports clubs, village shops and pubs.”
Her Royal Highness then spoke with some of our trainers overseas, in Germany, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, hearing how all territories face similar challenges to employ skilled tradesmen, not only on the technical side but with confidence in dealing with customers, working safely and efficiently.
The Princess Royal then spoke with a group of office apprentices, covering areas such as sales, finance and business administration, followed by a group undertaking varying stages of leadership development. Finally, Her Royal Highness spoke with a number of industry figures alongside members of the Learning & Development community – including the South East Apprenticeship Ambassador network.
Having spoken to more than 60 attendees during the tour of the facility, Michael Osbadeston, senior advisor at City & Guilds, read the citation conferring Fellowship of the Institute on Chris Craggs; the Princess Royal then presented Chris Craggs with the certificate.
Chris Craggs commented:
“I’d like to thank The Princess Royal and all the guests for the honour of their visit. I hope that MCFT’s journey to becoming Apprenticeship Providers might be useful for small and medium enterprises in other trade sectors; MCFT would be pleased to share the experience with all those involved in the provision and direction of adult learning, in the UK and overseas.”
Her Royal Highness was invited to unveil the plaque, recording the visit. To round off the ceremony, The Princess Royal was presented with a posy of flowers by Sue Benson, a loyal employee for over 25 years. Her Royal Highness departed, marking a true milestone in the company’s history and leaving an indelible impression on all who had the fortune to converse with her.
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