NEWCASTLE College has been proud to be a part of the 500 in 100 North East apprenticeship campaign. This region-wide initiative has played a huge part in raising the profile and tangible business benefits that apprenticeships can offer employers.
The college offers the widest range of apprenticeship frameworks to meet the demands of local employers and their business needs. During the campaign, the college has managed to secure the commitment of employers to train over 300 people on an apprenticeship programme.
Through Newcastle College’s free recruitment and matching service, many businesses have been able to find the perfect candidate. The college works alongside employers to find out their exact needs and pre-screens suitable candidates to find the best match.
Employers, such as Building Futures North East, Mental Health Concern, Kelly Park Caring Agency, Gary Hedley Hairdressing, ncjMedia, ISS, Major Family Law, and insurethebox are just a small number of businesses that have already seen the benefits of apprenticeship programmes, and have become ambassadors in driving the campaign forward.
Bev Robinson, principal of Newcastle College, said: “Newcastle College has been delighted to have been involved in the 500 in 100 apprenticeship campaign and see the North East business community respond so positively.
“An apprentice provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to recruit enthusiastic individuals who can train while gaining experience in employment. Newcastle College works in partnership with employers to develop apprenticeship frameworks which provide real business benefits.”
During the campaign Newcastle College has worked with a wide range of employers, from SMEs to large multi-nationals, all of whom have either committed to taking on an apprentice or decided to use the flexibility of apprenticeship frameworks to train their existing staff.
ISS Facility Services – the fourth largest private company in the world – has turned to the apprenticeship programme as it plans to up-skill its cleaning support staff.
The facilities service provider is currently in the process of placing up to 80 of its existing ISS Facilities North team through the Cleaning and Support Services Apprenticeship offered through Newcastle College. Gavin Deane, apprenticeship co-ordinator at ISS Facility Services, said: “Our strongest asset is our people. Having been an apprentice myself, I appreciate the importance they play in any organisation.
“Our staff will not only gain the underpinning knowledge relevant to the cleaning sector but, with training being delivered on and off the job, they will acquire essential transferrable skills that can be used in their future development.
“We are looking to grow apprenticeships in a big way and, through the help of a reputable training provider such as Newcastle College, we hope to be able to make it a long-lasting relationship.”
AMECal, a small equipment repair and measuring specialist, has also invested in two engineering apprentices as it plans to expand its range of products and services.
Thomas McFadyen, 20, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, and Josh Howie, 21, from Chapel Park, Newcastle, joined AMECaL as Advanced Engineering Apprentices during the Journal campaign. This is the first time AMECaL has trained staff through the apprenticeship route.
David Heppell, sales and marketing manager at AMECaL, said: “We are really pleased with the progress that Thomas and Josh have made. They spent the first few weeks working in different areas of the business identifying where their interests and strengths lay.
“They have really integrated themselves into the team and have brought enthusiasm and a fresh approach to the company. We would certainly consider recruiting apprentices in the future and believe they have a huge part to play in the future development of the north east and the engineering industry as a whole.”
Rachel Nagel, employer marketing manager at Newcastle College, said: “Apprenticeships will play a major role in plugging the national skills gap in future years. We are very aware that the Government will continue to prioritise and invest in apprenticeships and we must rise to the challenge and make it easier for employers and individuals to understand how apprenticeships can work for them.
“The variety of frameworks available is steadily growing and we are especially excited about the higher level apprenticeships soon to become available. This will offer further progression and the higher level skills that employers really need.”
For more information about the apprenticeships available at Newcastle College, visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 0845 600 4140.
