The City of Bath College has increased the range of apprenticeships it offers to ensure the workforce of the future has the right skills.
The College has launched several new apprenticeship programmes, just weeks after being awarded the top accolade of Training Provider of the Year at the 2013 Bath Apprenticeship Awards.
More businesses are now being encouraged to take on an apprentice so they can ‘learn, earn and qualify’ for their chosen profession.
In 2010 there were 272 apprentices at the College on 29 courses covering 13 sectors. In just three years those figures have increased significantly and there are now 360 apprentices on 41 courses covering 18 sectors.
The College’s newest apprenticeships include Teaching Assistant, Housing Practice and Bench Joinery.
Work-based Learning Manager Barney Willis said the rise in apprenticeships was creating new opportunities for young people and businesses.
He said: “More and more apprenticeships are being made available to cover nearly all employment sectors with the introduction of employers and training providers being able to propose new apprenticeship frameworks, there are now many more solutions to fit business needs and requirements.”
The College was named Training Provider of the Year on the same night two of its apprentices also struck lucky.
18-year-old Crest Nicholson worker Daniel Bonnett beat off competition from two work colleagues to take Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for Construction, while Laura Barnes from Bath Aqua Glass won Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for Manufacturing and Engineering.
Daniel, 18, believes he has the best of both worlds as he works in the construction field three days a week, and builds on his trade skills at City of Bath College the other two days.
The teenager from Combe Down is studying for his Level 2 Carpentry NVQ while working on the Western Riverside Project.
Daniel said: “An apprenticeship has been really good for me; I have gained so much experience.
“It was completely the best thing that could have happened to me. I get paid to learn on the job and learn at college.”
Laura, 19, started working at Bath Aqua Glass about seven months ago and is taking an apprenticeship in glass processing. The company approached the College to set up the apprenticeship as it is a very unique trade.
Laura even made and engraved the awards given out at the Bath Apprenticeship Awards.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at City of Bath College, contact Stacey Harper, Customer Relationship Manager, on 01225 328729 or [email protected]
Businesses interested in developing new apprenticeship programmes are also asked to get in touch.
