Derby College Apprentices Stump Up Giant Artwork For Cricket Club Bid

Two Derby College apprentices are playing a key role in creating the landmark set of giant stumps that will symbolise Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s bid for Derby to be a host city for the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Mark Mitchell and Jake Underwood are both apprentices at Briggs of Burton, the long-established engineering company in Burton-on-Trent who are manufacturing the six metre high giant stumps, bails and ball planned for the Pentagon Island.

The company is working on behalf of Derbyshire County Cricket Club as part of its partnership with the club.

Briggs of Burton are using their expertise in the design and manufacture of stainless steel drum systems for the worldwide food and beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical, and health and beauty markets to make the giant structure.

Mark Mitchell (20) from Derby is a former Engineering student at Derby College and is in the second year of his three-year apprenticeship with Briggs of Burton.

He said: “I was really pleased when I was asked to get involved in this project and it will certainly be something different to put in my College folder towards my qualifications.

“I go past the Pentagon Island nearly every day so am looking forward to seeing the stumps, bails and ball there this summer.”

Jake Underwood (20) from Burton is studying for an HNC qualifications as part of his apprenticeship with Briggs of Burton after completing engineering qualifications full time at the College.

He said: “This is a great project and something very different to work on. I hope it encourages everyone to get behind the bid for the world cup and it will be a great showcase for the company as well.”

Briggs of Burton Managing Director, Gareth Cure added: “We are delighted to be part of this innovative campaign to bring the Women’s Cricket World Cup to the city in 2017.

“The manufacture of this giant artwork has created a real sense of interest and pride throughout the company.

“The apprentices are an important part of the manufacturing team on this project which is very fitting considering the close links that Derby College has with our company and also as a fellow sponsor of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.”

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