Nelson and Colne College Group – National Apprenticeship Week (7th–13th February) offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Apprentices as we continue to see many industries affected by the global pandemic.

With many people addressing their career choices, Apprenticeships and Technical skills-based qualifications are truly at the heart of the nation’s recovery.

‘Build the Future’ is the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 and focuses on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. The celebrations by Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) will centre around an online showcase of their brilliant Apprentices, employer partners and sector Assessors.

Putting Employers in the driving seat

Recent Apprenticeship reform has placed employers in the driving seat, enabling them to place tailored Apprenticeships at the core of their businesses.

The College Group work closely with a wide range of employers large and small across the North West region who are seeking their company’s next ‘star’. Taking it to the next level by offering a tailored, personalised approach and training package that meets employer’s business needs.

Onward Homes in Accrington, Lancashire (www.onward.co.uk), is a great example of a construction business with a long-standing working relationship with the College Group. The housing association require tradespeople with a wide range of property maintenance skills and with the Accrington and Rossendale College campus so close to their base of operation, a lot of their recruitment is from around the local area.

Four Painting and Decorating, and Joinery Apprentices from Nelson and Colne College Group are thriving in their roles after securing Apprenticeships with the Onward Repairs division.

With a plan for further Apprentice recruitment in 2022 as the business grows, Steve Russell – Head of Onward Repairs said:

“We are keen to advance the career development, growth and goals of all our apprentices, helping them become a qualified tradesperson. We are looking to increase the number of good quality apprenticeships we offer to tackle the UK’s ongoing skills shortage in the construction and property sector and to provide key job opportunities with a real living wage to those who live in the North West.”

Ensuring their Apprentices have the most up-to-date training and knowledge on industry standards is critical to Onward Repairs. Working with the College Group guarantees that their Apprentices will develop the latest technical knowledge and practical skills needed both now and in the future. A perfect example of this is the painting technique for ‘airless spraying’.

Samm Harling, 20, is currently completing his Level 3 Joinery qualification. He joined Onward Repairs as an Apprentice in October 2018, having already completed his Level 1 at Accrington and Rossendale College. Team Leader Matt Flynn praises Samm stating:

“He shows a great work ethic and has a very bright future ahead of him.”

On asking Samm why he chose an Apprenticeship, he said:

“It felt the best way to gain experience on the job, get paid for the role and achieve job progression. I enjoy the challenges day to day, plus the job satisfaction at the end when all the work is completed.”

Nelson and Colne College Group Apprentice Assessor Phil Burgess said:

“We understand that it is vital for young people to be equipped with the skills needed to secure employment, perform well and excel in their roles. With many industries now reaching out to recruit exciting, new talent to advance their business, building and construction it is an exciting trade to be involved with.”

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. Our focus on the power of three – a successful synergy between Apprentice, employer and the College – ensures that we are best placed to support businesses and organisations to meet their goals.

“It is fantastic to see our Apprentices are doing exactly that and are thriving in their roles – something that is certainly worth celebrating this National Apprenticeship Week.”

The Nelson and Colne College Group is made up of three merged colleges; Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning. It is also sponsor to Pendle Education Trust.

More information:

• Nelson and Colne College Group offers Apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors – Business & Professional Services | Catering & Hospitality | Construction Trades & Building Services | Education & Childcare | Engineering & Manufacturing | Hair & Beauty |Health & Social Care | Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair.
• Nelson and Colne College Group is the Number 1 college in Lancashire for Advanced Apprenticeships, based on the latest government data (16-18 timely achievement).

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