The National Coal Mining Museum has announced a major milestone as two of its apprentices, Luke Firth and Stanley Carter, have become the first in the country to complete a pioneering industry qualification for working in an underground environment. This qualification, awarded by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council, was completed alongside their electrical apprenticeships at Wakefield College.
This accomplishment marks the first time such a programme has been undertaken at the Museum. Luke and Stanley gained valuable hands-on experience working underground while managing their studies, a combination that is expected to serve them well in their future careers.
Shaun McLoughlin, Mine Director at the National Coal Mining Museum, said: “We are incredibly proud of our apprentices. Their achievements highlight the importance of learning in a practical environment and the unique opportunities that working underground in a mine provides. Being the first students to achieve this qualification is a real testimony to their hard work, and we are delighted to have been able to support them throughout.”
The Museum has provided a rare opportunity for these apprentices to work in a specialised environment with support from a dedicated mining team. This experience, combined with their formal studies, has given them a strong foundation to progress in the industry.
McLoughlin added, “We are committed to continuing to support future apprentices around several skills and career paths, provided we can secure further funding.”
For more information about the National Coal Mining Museum, visit www.ncm.org.uk.