NULC visits Royal Stafford to view exciting designs and opportunities

Principal and Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) Karen Dobson visited Royal Stafford with Assistant Principal: Curriculum and Corporate Developments Val Tomlinson and Vice Principal: Finance and Corporate Developments, Craig Hodgson on Tuesday.

Royal Stafford is a ceramic manufacturer based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent which creates collections of ceramic tableware in addition to creating bespoke ranges for external clients.

During their visit they explored ways in which they could work together, toured the factory and learned about their manufacturing process and spoke with Axia Apprentice, Stephanie Bryan who is currently working on her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

During their visit they met Molly McGlynn, an Axia apprentice who recently won The Sentinel Business Awards – Apprentice of the Year and Tyler Bourne who is a Ceramic Apprentice.

Val Tomlinson said, “We were impressed by the range and design of products produced by the company and we are planning to arrange a visit for students in the near future.”

If you are an employer and would like to find out more about hiring an apprentice, click here: http://www.nulc.ac.uk/nulc-for-business.html

If you are a student and would like to know about apprenticeship opportunities, click here: http://www.nulc.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships.html

Apprentice awarded for Outstanding Contributions

A Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to his employer.

Harry Jones, aged 18 has been awarded an Apprenticeship Recognition Award by the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  Harry, who lives in the Westlands, is studying an NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support and is employed by Orbital Gas Systems Ltd. 

The former Clayton Hall Business and Languages College pupil, said: ““It is an honour to be nominated and to receive an award for my work at Orbital.”

Harry was nominated by Richard Law Director of Infrastructure for his support in assisting with the establishment of new business facilities and preparation for a recent industry audit.  Richard commented that “Harry has demonstrated a mature and tenacious approach to his employment over the past 12 months and is already establishing himself as a valuable employee”.
Harry started his Advanced Apprenticeship in September 2012 and has already completed two Electrical units and one fitting unit, as well as units in workplace personal learning and thinking skills and Employment Responsibilities and Rights.
Colin Alaimo, Lecturer/Assessor in Engineering at the College, said: “Harry completes all tasks on time and to a high standard with enthusiasm, showing he understands each departments’ role within the company and the procedures and processes needed for a successful business.”

Orbital is a specialist gas engineering company, delivering integrated instrumentation and engineered solutions to the gas utilities, industrial process and environmental industries.   The company have grown significantly from being a small specialist subcontractor, into one of the largest solution providers in the UK industrial gas market.
Harry is based at the company’s five acre Head Office in Staffordshire where Orbital’s team of engineers and project managers run a project in its entirety, from conception through detailed design and in house build, then on to site installation with commissioning and subsequent training of personnel.

Through studying an Advanced Apprenticeship Harry has the opportunity to work in all aspects of the business.  The Apprenticeship allows him to spend time in various departments where he can gain knowledge and experience of all the company’s procedures and products.

Orbital has been running an apprentice scheme for two years in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College with Harry being one of the first formal apprentices within the company.
Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, said: “I’m delighted that Harry has been recognised for his outstanding contributions during his apprenticeship.  Here at NULC we work with over 500 employers across Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire to provide quality and cost effective work-based training which benefits the local economy.  Harry is a shining example of how work-based training is a successful alternative to traditional academic study and can benefit both employers and their workforce.”

College reveals companies taking part in Back to the Floor

Newcastle-under-Lyme College today revealed local business men and women who have volunteered to go ‘back to the floor’ in a bid to raise awareness of apprenticeships.

Eight local business men and women were matched with a local employer and apprentice at the launch event of the College’s Pledge a Place campaign.  The volunteers will work shadow the apprentice over the course of next week during National Apprenticeships Week. 

Among those taking part include NULC Principal Karen Dobson, local MP Paul Farrelly, and Newcastle Borough Councillor John Sellgren.

The College event attracted a range of employers who have shown their support for apprenticeships by ‘pledging a place’ or agreeing to work with the College to support young people. They include ABB, Alstom, Skills for Care, Ageas Insurance, and Hanley Economic Building Society.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at the College, said: “The aim of the campaign is to raise the awareness of apprenticeships in order to support young people locally.  Employers were able to talk to other employers who have taken on an apprentice with us and show the benefits that it’s made to their business.”

Karen Dobson, Principal at NULC, has been placed at SamiRayz hair studio and will be shadowing apprentice Sally Jones.  Karen said: “I’m very excited about the placement.  I’m proud to see apprentices going through our College every day but this will give me a real insight into how they apply their knowledge and training on the job.”

Karen continued:  “Whilst the placements are a bit of fun for those involved we hope that the campaign will help us to maximise opportunities for learners and develop partnerships in the local community, in line with our strategic objectives.”

If your business has fewer than 1000 employees and have not employed an apprentice within the last 12 months you may be eligible to receive a grant (AGE 16-24) worth £1500. 

Newcastle-under-Lyme College provides apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships in a range of subject areas including Accounting, Activity Leadership, Beauty Therapy, Brickwork, Business Admin, Creative Design, Customer Service, Early Years, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health & Social Care, IT, Joinery, Motor Vehicle, Painting & Decorating and Retail. 

For further information or to get involved visit www.nulc.ac.uk/pledge-a-place. 
If you would like to become an apprentice, come along to our open event on Wednesday 12 March at 5.30pm to speak to employers, staff and find out more.

Over 60 employers pledge support in 50 days

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has reached day 50 of its campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days and so far a total of 64 employers have pledged their support.

Many employers have appointments pending with the College and further employers have expressed an interest in recruiting an Apprentice.

Local employers that have taken on an Apprentice include Cable Detection, Ceram, Gorgeous Gowns, Moorcroft Medical Centre, Eldon House and Hanley Economic Building Society. 

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC, said: “We’ve reached the halfway point of the campaign and we’ve had a really positive response from the local employers that we’ve engaged with.”

The College and partners launched the ambitious campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days on Friday 15 March.  The campaign, spearheaded by Newcastle Borough Council MP Paul Farrelly and backed by local training provider Martec, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will try and address youth unemployment issues locally.

Councillor Gareth Snell from Newcastle Borough Council said: “One of the main areas that we seek to address in our Economic Development Strategy is around worklessness and encouraging Apprenticeship.  This campaign goes someway to address those issues which really is fantastic news for the local area.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Apprenticeships campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100, email employers@nulc.ac.uk or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

Breaking the Apprenticeship mould

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is promoting Apprenticeships in different types of industries in a bid to try and break the mould of stereotypical Apprenticeships. 

Apprenticeships are traditionally offered in subject areas such as Engineering, Hairdressing and Brickwork but subjects including Creative Design, Pharmacy and Retail are becoming increasingly popular because of the shift in industry markets.

NULC offers Apprenticeships in over a dozen subject areas including Creative Design, Retail, Pharmacy, Sport and Management as well as more traditional subjects including Engineering, Brickwork and Hairdressing.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC said: “It’s important that employers are aware that Apprenticeships have moved with industry markets and most businesses regardless of their industry sector can benefit from an Apprentice.”

NULC engages with more than 400 businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who work with the College to provide Apprenticeships and recruitment services. 

The College launched the Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign on Friday 15 March and is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme in a bid to create 100 Apprentice opportunities in 100 days. 

The College aims to hit the target by recruiting both employers to provide Apprenticeship vacancies and young people to start an Apprenticeship.  The campaign will run until 22 June 2013.


If you would like further information about our Apprenticeships campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100.  If you’re interested in employing an Apprentice then please call 01782 254376 or email employers@nulc.ac.uk

College leads by example in Apprenticeship campaign

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) leads its Apprenticeship campaign by example by employing their own Apprentice.

Abbie Jackson aged 17 from Knutton has been taken on as an Apprentice in the College’s successful Academy of Sport department and is studying NVQ Level 2 in Sports and Sports Coaching.

Abbie will be working 4 days a week in the office helping to run the Academy of Sport programmes and providing logistical and administrative support.  Abbie is a keen sports person and plays for the College’s netball and basketball academies.

Abbie said: “I’m hoping to achieve my NVQ Level 2 in Sports and Sports Coaching and then progress onto NVQ Level 3.  My ambition is to become a sports coach and maybe go onto teach.”

NULC is in full support of Apprenticeships as a career path.  Abbie is the latest Apprentice of many to have been taken on by the College in recent years, a number of whom have progressed in their careers at the College.

The College launched the Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign on Friday 15 March and is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme in a bid to create 100 Apprentice opportunities in 100 days.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC said: “It’s important for employers to know that we are committed to Apprenticeships.  Our Apprentices really are the future of our business and we have some very high-calibre employees who started with us as Apprentices.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Creative Studies, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s apprenticeships and how you can support the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100 or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

35 employers pledge support in 25 days

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has reached day 25 of its campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days and so far a total of 35 employers have pledged their support.

Two local employers have placed Apprentices, five employers have vacancies that the College is currently recruiting for, ten employers have appointments pending with the College and a further 18 have expressed an interest in recruiting an Apprentice.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC, said: “It’s fantastic to have had such a positive response from local employers after just 25 days.  It shows that there is definitely an appetite for Apprenticeships in the Newcastle-under-Lyme borough.”

The College and partners launched the ambitious campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days on Friday 15 March.  The campaign, spearheaded by Newcastle Borough Council MP Paul Farrelly and backed by local training provider Martec, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will try and address youth unemployment issues locally.

The Hanley Economic Building Society is one of the employers that have placed an Apprentice.  Cristina Hammond, Human Resources manager said: “The recruitment service that we received from the College was second to none and our accounting Apprentice started work with us on 2 April.”

MP Paul Farrelly invited businesses in his constituency to the launch event.  Paul said: “From talking to local employers I am aware of the problems many have in attracting and developing the best talent. Recruiting the right trainees and developing their skills on the job is one way of securing the workforce necessary to expand and grow.” 

Paul continued: “The ultimate aim of the campaign is to boost youth employment and kick-start economic recovery.  The business involvement to date proves that we are making a difference.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Apprenticeships campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100, email employers@nulc.ac.uk or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

College busts Apprenticeship myths

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has launched an online publication to dispel myths about Apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeships Myth Buster is targeted at local employers and aims to addresses common misconceptions about Apprenticeships.  The publication is being released as part of the College’s 100 in 100 Apprenticeship Campaign.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC said:  “One of the most common myths surrounding Apprenticeships is that young people have no work ethic and will leave the organisation before the Apprenticeship finishes.  In actual fact in today’s economic climate, young people understand that Apprenticeships are a valuable opportunity.”

“We really need to break down these misconceptions of Apprenticeships and in a bid to do that we’ve put together a myth busting publication that is available on the College’s website for employers to download free of charge.”

Vicky added: “The Apprentices from Newcastle-under-Lyme College are highly motivated, keen to learn and have the potential to become ‘managers of the future’.”

NULC works with more than 400 businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who work with the College to provide Apprenticeships and recruitment services.

The recruitment process for employers wishing to appoint an Apprentice involves a full screening process to ensure that the Apprentice is the best person for the job.

The College launched the Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign on Friday 25 March and is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme in a bid to create 100 Apprentice opportunities in 100 days.

The College aims to hit the target by recruiting both employers to provide Apprenticeship vacancies and young people to start an Apprenticeship.  The campaign will run until 22 June 2013.

For further information about the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100 or download the Apprenticeships Myth Buster here.

To discuss Apprenticeships further please contact 01782 254376 or email employers@nulc.ac.uk

Local employer backs Apprenticeships

Local employer, Signability, is in full support of Apprenticeships after employing an Apprentice through Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

Signability employed creative Apprentice Esther Moore last year to bring fresh ideas and new design thinking into the company.  The result has been improved business performance and a valuable team member.

Adrian Wakefield, Director at Signability said: “We wanted to bring fresh ideas into our company and we wanted somebody that we could train from the ground up.”

Adrian continued: “Employing Esther has given us increased productivity which puts us in a better position to win contracts.”

Esther aged 19 from Tunstall completed a BTEC in Art and Design prior to her Apprenticeship and describes her motivations for becoming an Apprentice: “I felt that I would benefit more from getting hands on job experience and that it would give me a better chance of employment.”

Esther continued: “Since completing my Apprenticeship, Signability have employed me as a full time Assistant Designer.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Creative Studies,Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

Signability is a Signmaking, Graphic Design and Print business based in Hanford and is one of over 400 businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who work with the College to provide Apprenticeship placements.  Giving advice to other businesses considering employing an Apprentice, Adrian said: “Embrace it and don’t be afraid to give someone a chance.”

On Friday 15th March NULC launched an ambitious campaign to recruit 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days targeting Newcastle-under-Lyme businesses and young people. 

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s apprenticeships and how you can support the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

Employers show commitment to College Apprenticeships campaign

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has hailed the launch of its 100 in 100 Apprenticeship campaign a success.

The event took place on Friday 15 March at the College’s £60 million campus on Knutton Lane, with over 50 employers from across Newcastle-under-Lyme attending the event.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement at NULC, said: “I was really impressed with the turnout of local employers to the launch event.  We saw a significant number of employers from new businesses including estate agents, schools and doctors surgeries, who were all keen to find out more about how Apprenticeships can be a viable employment solution for their businesses.”

The Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme.  The College and partners aim to hit the target by recruiting both employers to provide Apprenticeship vacancies and young people to start an Apprenticeship.

Debra Swann, from Northwood Estate Agents attended the event , Debra said: “The event was really useful with lots of really good information about Apprentices.”   She continued: “It was also good to hear of Apprenticeship success stories from other local employers.”

Adrian Wakefield from Signability already employs an apprentice through the College at his sign making, graphic design and print business in Hanford.  Adrian said: “Employing an Apprentice has meant that we were better placed to win contracts and it has led to improved business efficiency.”

The ambitious campaign launched during National Apprenticeships Week will run until 22 June 2013.  The campaign has already seen a number of local employers pledging their support including Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Paul Farrelly MP, TK Maxx, Appointments Personnel, Martec Training, Care Match and Options Management.

If you are interested in employing an apprentice or would like to find out more about the range of business services available at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, contact the Employer Engagement Team on 01782 254376 or email employers@nulc.ac.uk.

College vows ‘100 Apprenticeships in 100 days’

 Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) and partners are launching an ambitious campaign to recruit 100 new apprentices in 100 days.  The Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme.  The College and partners aim to hit the target by recruiting both employers to provide Apprenticeship vacancies and young people to start an Apprenticeship.

The ambitious campaign will launch on Friday 15 March, at the College’s Knutton Lane campus during National Apprenticeships Week and run until 22 June 2013.  Over 2,000 employers from Newcastle-under-Lyme have been invited to the event which will feature talks from industry experts and aims to provide local employers with the accurate and impartial advice.

Visitors to the launch event will benefit from talks from
•    Paul Farrelly MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who is spearheading the campaign.
•    Vicky Boulton-Clarke Head of Employer Engagement at NULC, who will provide local employers with an overview of the campaign and the services available to local businesses.
•    Joanne Bradburn from Barclays Banks PLC, who will introduce their campaign, The Big Conversation, to encourage business banking customers to take on an Apprentice
•    Local employer Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains, who will talk employers through her experience of employing an Apprentice through NULC.

The College currently works with over 400 employers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire but found that the number of apprentices employed by businesses within the Newcastle-under-Lyme borough was significantly lower than other areas.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke commented: “With that in mind, the College has launched the 100 in 100 campaign to raise the awareness of Apprenticeships across Newcastle-under-Lyme.  We will be specifically targeting employers in Newcastle-under-Lyme, encouraging them to pledge their support to the campaign and improving the employment prospects for young people in the borough.”

In addition, the College in partnership with local training provider Martec, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will try and address the youth unemployment issues locally.

Vicky added: “With skills shortages across UK businesses, Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future.  Apprenticeships can also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.” 

Paul Farrelly MP has already pledged his support to the campaign by writing to businesses in his constituency inviting them to the launch event.  Paul said: “I’m delighted to be working with such a proactive education establishment as Newcastle-under-Lyme College.  The driving force of the campaign is to encourage local businesses to find out more about Apprenticeships and the real business benefits in order to tackle the skills shortages in the area and the wider unemployment issues.  The 100 in 100 campaign can benefit both local employers and youngsters alike and I would urge local employers no matter what your industry to come along to the launch event.”

If you are interested in attending the launch event on Friday 15 March or would like further information about Apprenticeships contact the Employer Engagement Team on 01782 254376 or email employers@nulc.ac.uk. 

Apprenticeship leads to full-time career

An apprentice from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has secured full-time employment with a local business having completed her Apprenticeship.

Yolanda Mainwaring aged 20 from Alsager, proved to be the model apprentice for local engineering firm, Langley alloys, which have now employed Yolanda as a full-time Operations Administrator.

Yolanda describes her journey from school to full-time employment: “I left school in 2008 and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.  I spent a few years trying different types of study but decided I wanted to do something practical, so I looked into doing an Apprenticeship with Newcastle-under-Lyme College.”

The former Alsager High School pupil continues: “The College provided guidance and support in the various sectors that Apprenticeships are available in and helped me to find a placement at Langley Alloys.  Through doing an Apprenticeship I was able to earn a weekly wage whilst learning in a real working environment.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

Langley Alloys is one of more than 400 businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who work with the College to provide Apprenticeship placements.  Last year the College reported a record increase in the number of people taking up an Apprenticeship, resulting in a need for more employers to offer apprentice roles within their organisations. 

Neil Barlow, NVQ Assessor at NULC said: “The College works very closely with local businesses to ensure that we meet the needs of both the business and the apprentice.  Apprenticeships are proving to be an increasingly popular way for local businesses to meet their staffing needs and we’re always looking to work with more local employers to provide apprentice roles.”

Langley Alloys, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme was founded in 1938 and has a worldwide reputation for inventing and supporting advanced stainless steels, nickel and bronze alloys. 

Operations Director of Langley Alloys, Mike Hickman said: “Our philosophy is to invest in the local area, particularly with young people.  Yolanda was our third apprentice and the second from Newcastle-under-Lyme College.  We have been very impressed with the service we received from the College in terms of recruitment and also ongoing support for Yolanda.  In fact, employing our Apprentice’s in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College was such a success that we’re currently talking to the College about recruiting another apprentice in our Warehousing department.”

Reflecting on choosing to study an Apprenticeship, Yolanda said: “Studying an Apprenticeship has changed my life.  I went from leaving school not really knowing what I wanted to do and have ended up with a career in a successful and growing company.  Apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to academic study and provide you with on the job experience which is relevant to the work place.”

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s apprenticeships and other workplace training programmes visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

In the Spotlight…Business Apprenticeships

NULC works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide Apprenticeships in a variety of areas.  In this blog post we’re taking a look at the type of training available in the Business sector. 

We have a range Apprenticeships and NVQs that can be delivered in the workplace, from Level 2 through to Level 5.  Qualifications available include Business and Administration, Management, Accounting, IT, Retail, Warehousing and Customer Service. 

Here Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains, Owner of Appointments Personnel Recruitment Agency in Newcastle, Staffordshire discusses how employing a Business Administration Apprentice through NULC has worked for her business.

 

With an apprentice salary starting at around £97 per week, employers can benefit from an extra member of staff and receive ongoing support from an experienced apprenticeship assessor who will visit the apprentice in the workplace to minimise disruption to the business.

Vicky Boulton Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement at NULC said: “Apprenticeships are a unique, low-cost and low-risk way of ensuring that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.”

“What’s more, the College takes care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.  This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.”

“As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth.”

To find out more about the College’s Apprenticeships and employer training programmes contact the Employer Engagement Team on employer@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254376.

In the Spotlight…Engineering Apprenticeships

NULC works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide Apprenticeships in a variety of areas.  In this blog post we’re taking a look at the type of training available in the Engineering sector. 

A range of Engineering Apprenticeships and NVQs are delivered in the workplace, including Electro-technical, Engineering, Engineering Construction, Engineering Manufacture, Performance Maintenance Operations and Engineering Technical Support.  These are delivered at various levels, starting at Level 2 qualifications through to Foundation degrees.

Here Leigh Turley, Engineering Manager for Transmission at ABB in Stone, Staffordshire discusses how employing an Engineering Apprentice through NULC has worked for the international engineering company.

With an apprentice salary starting at around £97 per week, employers can benefit from an extra member of staff and receive ongoing support from an experienced apprenticeship assessor who will visit the apprentice in the workplace to minimise disruption to the business.

Vicky Boulton Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement at NULC said: “Apprenticeships are a unique, low-cost and low-risk way of ensuring that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.”

“What’s more, the College takes care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.  This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.”

“As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth.”
To find out more about the Engineering Apprenticeships at NULC click here.

To find out more about the College’s Apprenticeships and employer training programmes contact the Employer Engagement Team on employer@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254376.

Forklift truck training now available to local employers

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is now accredited with RTITB to deliver ‘On Customer Premises’ forklift truck training for Reach and Counter balance trucks.  

We are able to offer both Novice and Refresher training in line with RTITB and HSE regulations for lift truck operation. 

The course will be completed on your company premises using your lift truck which means the operator is trained or refreshed on the equipment they will be expected to use on a day-to-day basis rather than at a centre away from the workplace on unfamiliar equipment.

To find out more about the training contact the NULC Employer Engagement team on 01782 254376 or email employer@nulc.ac.uk.

In the Spotlight…Hairdressing Apprenticeships

NULC works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide Apprenticeships in a variety of areas.  In this blog post we’re taking a look at the type of training available in the Hairdressing sector. 

We work with a range of local salons to provide apprenticeship and training opportunities at Level 2 and Level 3 inHairdressing.  This year sees the introduction of Beauty Therapy Apprenticeships and also a new flexible approach to deliver training to apprentices that suits the needs of employers.   

We’re encouraging all local salons to join our business club to be involved in developing our training offer to enable us to identify skills gaps and tailor programmes to exceed those needs.

Here Steve Goodwin, Owner of Signature Hair Salon in Stoke-on-Trent discusses how employing a Hairdressing Apprentice through NULC has worked for the salon.

With an apprentice salary starting at around £97 per week, employers can benefit from an extra member of staff and receive ongoing support from an experienced apprenticeship assessor who will visit the apprentice in the workplace to minimise disruption to the business.

Vicky Boulton Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement at NULC said: “Apprenticeships are a unique, low-cost and low-risk way of ensuring that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.”

“What’s more, the College takes care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.  This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.”

“As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth.”

To find out more about the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hairdressingclick here.

To find out more about the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hairdressingclick here.

If you’re a local employer who would like to find out more about how Apprenticeships could work for you business contact Phil Davies, Business Development Manager for Hair and Beauty at NULC on philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254122.

In the Spotlight…Childcare Apprenticeships

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide Apprenticeships in a variety of areas.  In this blog post we’re taking a look at the type of training available in the Childcare sector. 

Children and Young People’s Workforce Apprenticeships (formerly childcare) are delivered to local nursery, childcare, early years settings and schools.  There are two levels available, Level 2 and Level 3, with potential to progress to a Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.

Here Ian Picken, Business Development Manager at John Baskeyfield VC CofE Primary School in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent discusses how employing a Childcare Apprentice through NULC has worked for the school.

With an apprentice salary starting at around £97 per week, employers can benefit from an extra member of staff and receive ongoing support from an experienced apprenticeship assessor who will visit the apprentice in the workplace to minimise disruption to the business.

Vicky Boulton Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement at NULCsaid: “Apprenticeships are a unique, low-cost and low-risk way of ensuring that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.”

“What’s more, the College takes care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.  This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.”

“As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth.”

To find out more about the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce click here.

To find out more about the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce click here.

To find out more about the Foundation degree in Early Childhood studies which is offered in partnership with Staffordshire Universityclick here.

To find out more about the College’s Apprenticeships and employer training programmes contact the Employer Engagement Team on employer@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254376.

NULC hosts prestigious event for energy experts

Newcastle-under-Lyme College was the venue for a prestigious CIGRE UK event that gathered together many of the UK’s power network experts. The aim was to discuss how new technology, like that being developed by ABB, can help power networks adapt to meet the reliability and efficiency challenges of renewable energy.

March 21, 2012 - ABB Power Systems, based in Stone, Staffordshire, has just hosted a gathering of many of the UK power network experts. They came together to discuss how new technology can help power grids adapt to meet the challenges of renewable energy generation, such as wind power. The conference was organized by ABB in conjunction with CIGRE, the international non-profit Association for promoting collaboration with electrical experts from all around the world by sharing knowledge and expertise to improve electric power systems of today and tomorrow. 

Over 140 delegates were drawn to the event, held at Newcastle-under-Lyme College in Staffordshire. Its theme was ‘UK and European Transmission and Distribution network solutions to the challenge of increasing levels of renewable generation’. High on the agenda was how new technology, such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, can help transport the power produced by wind farms located far offshore to consumers with minimum losses and maximum reliability.

‘Renewable energy, and especially wind power is now starting to play an increasingly important role as part of Europe’s energy mix. With its many advantages it also brings some significant challenges, especially in maintaining the reliability of supply that we, as consumers, now take for granted. So we were delighted to sponsor this CIGRE UK event that highlights the role that advanced technology, like HVDC and energy storage, will play in our energy future,’ said Colin Green, ABB’s head of Regulatory Affairs and Technology for the UK.

‘Advanced technology is only one part of the solution to our future energy challenge.  It is important not to lose sight of need for people with the right skills.  We are working very closely with Newcastle-under-Lyme College as the educational partner for our apprentice scheme.  We had no hesitation selecting their excellent conference facilities as the venue for this prestigious UK event to bring together technology and education. In fact, we even had some of our current apprentices on hand to demonstrate the augmented reality (AR) presentation of our technology for offshore wind farm grid connections.’

The conference was followed by a technical site visit to the UK’s first voltage source HVDC converter station, which is currently being construction by ABB.  When completed, later this year, the project will provide a 500 MW connection, via a subsea cable, between the power grids of Ireland and the UK.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.

Local employers invited to meet HRH the Duke of York

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) invited a range of local employers and dignitaries to meet His Royal Highness the Duke of York as part of his visit to North Staffordshire.

The visit was organised to highlight the College’s high quality provision for apprenticeships, work-based learning and business skills development.

Local employers including Stoke City Chairman and Chairman of Bet365 Peter Coates, Managing Director of Barratt Homes Neil Goodwin, Quality Manager at JCB CAB Systems John Plant and Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Maitland Hyslop attended a private lunch with the Duke, where they chatted about local developments and issues affecting local industries.

The Duke of York was interested to find out what affects the local area and its industries saying: “I haven’t got the impression that this is a backwater, I’ve got the impression that this is a go-getting part of the world.”

He continued: “It is institutions like Newcastle-under-Lyme College that are going to create opportunities for young people not only in terms of education but making young people fit for purpose for the local economy.”

The Duke talked to NULC apprentices from companies including: Michelin, Goodwins International, ABB, JCB, Ibstock Brick, EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel), Ham Baker and TT Pumps and were given a demonstration of the College’s Lincoln Electric VRTEX® 360 virtual welding machine, the only one of its kind in the area.

During the tour His Royal Highness met with apprentices including Adam Hedges aged 23 from Kidsgrove.  Adam is studying an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering and works at Supermarine Aero Engineering in Burselm who restore and maintain the Ministry of Defence’s fleet of Second World War aeroplanes.  Adam said: “It was a real honour to meet the Duke, he took a real interest in the work we do as apprentice engineers.”

During the Royal visit, representatives from employers including Converteam, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, ABB and Aegis enjoyed a tour of the Colleges £60 million campus which included a visit to the purpose built Skills and Technology Centre which is home to Construction and Mechanical Engineering Workshops. 

Principal Karen Dobson said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to share with His Royal Highness the work that the College does in partnership with local employers to contribute to the regeneration and success of North Staffordshire and the surrounding area. I know that it has been a memorable and inspiring day for all of the students and staff who’ve played a part.”

Find out more about the wide range of courses available to employers at NULC, contact the Employer Training team on employers@ nulc.ac.ukor call 01782 254376 or visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer.

More JCB employees complete training with NULC

More employees at Staffordshire-based construction giant JCB received NVQ awards recently as part of a company-wide training initiative.


Straightforward Training, the skills solution provider of Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is currently working with JCB to deliver training.


A group of eight employees has completed the NVQ Level 2 in Engineering Technical Support and were presented with certificates on Wednesday 22 February as part of an awards ceremony at JCB Cab Systems based in Rugeley.


JCB approached NULC asking the College to develop a bespoke NVQ to fit with and accredit a Fundamental Skills training package being offered to JCB employees.


Rob Owen, JCB Cab Systems Director/ General Manager said: “As a company we like to invest in our workforce and provide them with a range of career opportunities. Staff have benefited enormously from receiving professional training. I’m extremely proud of them.”


Newcastle-under-Lyme College Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson said: “This achievement at JCB yet again showcases the wealth of high quality, cost effective and flexible courses available to employers and demonstrates that Colleges are uniquely placed to offer affordable, effective training which fits around the needs of businesses.”

She added: “Colleges play a vital role in building Britain’s future, providing a huge range of opportunities for individuals and businesses to build world class skills to strengthen our economy. I hope JCB’s success will inspire other local employers to make use of the resources provided by the College to drive their businesses forward.”


For more information about employer training at Newcastle-under-Lyme College email employers@nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254376 or visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer.