College apprenticeships are top class

Nelson and Colne College Group has celebrated National Apprenticeship Week 2021 with an online showcase of employer partners, career pathways and success stories.
Ryan ParkerRyan Parker
Ryan Parker

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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Nelson 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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“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.