Huge rise in apprenticeships at NULC

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has reported a record increase in the number of people taking up an apprenticeship.

A total of 462 people started an apprenticeship in 2010/11, up 82 per cent on the previous year.

The College’s figures are higher than the 62 per cent increase in apprenticeship starts across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, according to figures released last month by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Training at NULC said: “These figures demonstrate that Newcastle-under-Lyme College and the businesses we work with are committed to providing training opportunities to contribute to the economic regeneration of North Staffordshire.

She continued: “This year we have also seen a big increase in the number of 16 to 18 year olds taking up an apprenticeship, which goes to show that apprenticeships are becoming a more popular choice for youngsters who want a route into highly skilled jobs without the expense of university.”

NULC works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide apprenticeships in areas including Accounting, Construction, Childcare, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT. This year the College also launched a partnership with Newcastle-based training provider Martec to offer Motor Vehicle apprenticeships.

However there is a need for more employers to provide opportunities to apprentices.  Ms Boulton-Clarke added: “Most employers believe that taking on an apprentice is a sound long-term business investment. Apprenticeships play a key role in developing a skilled workforce for the future and supporting the region’s future economy.

“I’d urge any businesses who are interested in recruiting an apprentice or who want to train an existing employee through the Apprenticeship scheme to get in touch with the College’s apprenticeships team.”

Anyone interested in starting an apprenticeship is being urged to come along to the College’s Open Event on Wednesday 16 November from 5.30pm – 8.00pm where staff from the College’s Apprenticeship team and Martec will be on hand to give advice and guidance. People are being urged to pre-register their attendance at the Open Event by visiting www.nulc.ac.uk/events.

College celebrates apprenticeships week

Representatives from more than 20 local companies attended a business breakfast seminar at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) to mark National Apprenticeships Week (7 – 11 February 2011).

The “Apprenticeships - Good for Business” event was held on Friday 11 February, from 8.00am – 10.00am at the College’s new campus on Knutton Lane. The event included a complimentary breakfast, talks from both current and former apprentices and the chance to discuss the benefits of Apprenticeships with other businesses.

Paul Farrelly MP discusses the benefits of Apprenticeships with NULC Principal Karen Dobson.

To find out more about recruiting an apprentice, call the Apprenticeships team on 01782 254287, email employers@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer

“Outstanding” NULC assessor awarded medal of excellence

A Newcastle-under-Lyme College assessor who has passed his skills and knowledge on to prison workers throughout the country has been honoured with a special medal.

Ernie Machin, aged 63 from Stafford, has taught and mentored trainee workers in the Justice sector for more than 36 years, including 23 years a custodial care assessor and trainer. Now his dedication, commitment and drive have been rewarded with a City and Guilds Medal of Excellence, which aims to reward exceptional people whose work within the education sector makes them stand out. He will now go through to the national Lion awards, dubbed the 'education Oscars', where awards will be presented in ten different categories. 

Ernie Machin, back row third from left, with staff from NULC and SERCO

He currently manages a team of seven Newcastle-under-Lyme College assessors who are based full-time at SERCO-operated Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) Dovegate, near Uttoxeter. To date, the team has trained more than 270 prison workers across a range of functions, including Custodial Care, Customer Service, Team Leading and Business Administration.

Employees complete Soldering and Rework training

24 employees from Accutronics in Chesterton recently completed Soldering and Rework training thanks to a link up with Newcastle-under-Lyme College's engineering department. Lecturer Mich Robinson visited the company for 2 days to deliver the training in the workplace. For more information about how NULC can help provide bespoke engineering training solutions for your company email employers@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254254.

Apprenticeships - Good for Business Event

Date: Friday 11 February 2011

Time: 8am-10am

Venue: Newcastle-under-Lyme College, Knutton Lane

Tea/coffee and buffet breakfast to be served from 8am – 8.30am.

For map and directions to the College click here.

During the event you'll hear from a well-known company who've successfully employed apprentices to grow their business, as well as getting advice about recruiting your own apprentice. Talk to our expert assessors and view our outstanding new facilities.

If you'd like to attend our Apprenticeships Business Breakfast. Please pre-register for the event by clicking here.

To find out more about Apprenticeships and why they are good for your business click here.

Not a member of the NULC Business Club? Click here to find out more.