A new Cornwall-based documentary series that will tell the stories of the county’s businesses and professionals is being launched during National Apprenticeship Week.

The first two episodes of the Truro and Penwith College series Apprenticeship Journeys premiered online from Monday (February 6) at www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/Apprenticeship-Journeys.

Seven episodes will air throughout 2023, in a collaboration with award-winning, Penryn-based video production agency Bull and Wolf Film Co.

The series of shorts will follow the journeys of both organisations and successful professionals, focusing on the impact apprenticeships have had.

The first episode immerses viewers in the inner workings of Truro-based Teagle Machinery Ltd, as it explores how apprenticeships are integrated into daily life at one of Cornwall’s biggest multinational companies.

Episode two joins Justin Lipkin on his journey from full-time student to Level 4 software developer apprentice and now full stack developer at HiYield, where over a few short years.

Hayley McKinstry, director of partnerships and apprenticeships, said: “The College is hugely excited to premier the first episodes of our Apprenticeship Journeys documentary series and a huge thanks to Bull & Wolf Film Co for collaborating with us.

“Apprenticeships have enjoyed a significant period growth at Truro and Penwith College over the last decade, supporting a key part of Cornwall’s economic strategy to provide a skilled workforce and sustainable high-quality employment and careers.

“The many professional success stories, quality careers and the impact our apprenticeships are having on life chances has created extremely engaging stories and it’s fantastic to have this platform to share them with local people to both continue raising awareness of the apprenticeship route and inspire the next generation of apprentices.”

Justin Lipkin said: “It was fantastic to be involved in the filming.

“My main reason for choosing the apprenticeship over a degree was that I’d still get that degree at the end, I’d get my Level 4, but I’d also have real world experience, work with real clients and I learnt loads about all these other companies and how they operate.

“There’s a perception around apprenticeships that you’ll be earning low pay, but that’s nowhere near the case, I started on £8 per hour and now I’m a full stack developer my salary is £28,000. My biggest achievement is moving from working on projects, to leading on projects and having my own team behind me.

Tune into the episodes and supporting content, events, help and advice at www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/Apprenticeship-Journeys