Pro Installer March 2017 - Issue 48 | Page 59

Skills
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MARCH 2017 | 59

Skills

BRIGHT SPRING FOR BRICKIE APRIL

Northumberland College has recruited its 1000th apprentice , April Halligan , an 18-year-old bricklayer from Fenham , Newcastle .
April , who works for Newcastle City Council , has joined the college ’ s Apprenticeship Academy that focuses on meeting the needs of apprentices and their employers .
She said : “ The programme has provided an excellent opportunity , opening new doors to my career . I ’ ve improved my skills and experienced different workplaces including maintenance and building sites . I ’ m a lot closer to my goal of becoming a qualified brick layer and gaining full-time employment thanks to this experience and the support from Northumberland College .”
The new academy sees apprenticeship support officers and assessors for all subjects working more closely together .
Susan Goldstein , director of the Apprenticeship Academy said : “ Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for employers to recruit and further develop staff with the skills and expertise needed for their organisation ’ s success .
“ For individuals , regardless of their age or background , apprenticeships offer access to structured industry-standard learning and qualifications . Successful apprenticeships are delivered by a robust and cohesive partnership between employer , apprentice and the college . The Apprenticeship Academy will ensure that each partner is clear about their responsibilities and opportunities within this process . Our aim is to support as many apprentices as we can in achieving their career and educational goals and at the same time help employers to meet current and future skills needs .”
Northumberland College offers more than 40 different apprenticeships at Level 2 , 3 and 4 .
The college has invested more than £ 10m in modern learning facilities , plus recently received further funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership for a £ 2.5m science , technology , engineering and maths ( STEM ) centre , which will open later this year .
National figures show that for every £ 1 of government investment in Level 2 or 3 apprenticeships , there is typically a return of £ 26 to £ 28 and that someone with a Higher Apprentice ( Level 4 ) could earn £ 150,000 more on average over their lifetime .
The Apprenticeship Academy , working in partnership with the college ’ s Business Training Solutions team provides bespoke information , advice and support to employers and their apprentices .
The team is currently offering a series of free events for employers to guide them through the new government Apprenticeship Levy and other apprenticeship changes . From 6th April 2017 , the levy will see all employers with an annual payroll over £ 3million , contribute to apprenticeship training at a rate of 0.5 %.
Employers wishing to find out more may contact the College ’ s Business Training Solutions team on 0170 841 268 or email training @ northland . ac . uk

Apprenticeships are a great option

Checkatrade ambassador , TV personality and DIY and construction expert Craig Phillips promoted apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week ( 6th to 10th March ).
Newcastle City Council apprenticeship manager , Paul Maddison , Northumberland College ’ s 1,000th apprentice April Halligan , apprenticeship assessor Ged Tait and Northumberland College ’ s apprenticeship team .
Craig said : “ With every Checkatrade member fully vetted and committed , in choosing an approved member , young apprentices can be sure the work they will be involved in will be carried out to the highest standards – giving them the very best start .”
Consumer champion Checkatrade says it is estimated that , on average , graduates leave university with debts exceeding £ 44,000 . This staggering figure highlights the significant costs young people face when looking to get themselves on their chosen career path . However , apprenticeships are an alternative option that sees young people get on the job training , gain essential workplace skills , earn a recognised qualification and get paid while doing it .
www . checkatrade . com