College apprenticeships are top class
This year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week was Build the Future, with a focus on how employers across the country train, retain and achieve with apprenticeships.
The celebrations by the college group centred on a social media takeover including the launch of a new apprenticeship newsletter to keep applicants up-to-date, and a revamp of the Apprenticeship Guide for would-be apprentices to map out their futures.
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Hide AdNelson and Colne College Group works with a wide range of employers large and small across the North West region, and currently offers 45 apprenticeship standards and 55 frameworks.
Employer feedback shows that nationally 74% of businesses say apprentices improved their service or quality, and 78% improved productivity. Additionally, statistics show that apprenticeships pay for themselves multiple times over, with every £1 of Government investment into apprenticeships returning between £26 and £28 to the economy.
Ryan Parker (18) who is completing an IT Apprenticeship at Seriun in Barrowford, said: “My Apprenticeship is developing the skills I need for the Digital sector and a career in IT.
“I’m problem solving by fixing issues that come in through our ticket system, and this also involves taking up more of a customer facing role speaking to clients up and down the country to resolve the situation. My confidence and communication skills have definitely improved as a result of this.
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Hide Ad“I’ve also had experience of hardware rebuilding and this has furthered my knowledge in this area – your technical knowledge comes with experience.”
Principal and CEO of Nelson and Colne College Group Amanda Melton CBE said: “The positive impact that apprentices have on the economy and the businesses that they work for is there for all to see. I am in no doubt that apprenticeships are going to be imperative to the country’s fortunes as we rebuild post-pandemic."
Following the extension of the employer incentive by the Government, employers who take on a new apprentice before March 31st could receive up to £3,000 in total.