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.

Prison officer recognised for outstanding achievement in apprentice awards

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentice Tanya Savage has been awarded a Personal Achievement Award in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Apprenticeship Recognition Awards.

Tanya, aged 23 from Stoke-on-Trent, undertook a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Custodial Care while working as a Prison Custody Officer at HMP Dovegate.  She was nominated by her Assessor Chris Love for showing outstanding commitment in her training.   

Pictured: NULC Assessors Ernie Machin and Chris Love with Tanya Savage

Chris said: “Tanya is an exemplary candidate who is driven and highly motivated but at the same time, is a very modest individual. She is a credit to her generation.”

The county-wide awards ceremony was held at the Kingston Centre in Stafford on the Friday 10 February, where Tanya was presented with a certificate and prize worth £50.

Ray Duckworth (pictured left), Director HMP Dovegate endorsed Tanya’s nomination and said: “Tanya is a dedicated and talented young PCO who has demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn and develop in her skills as an Officer.

“The role of a Prisoner Custody Officer is one of the most challenging careers, limited to special individuals who balance the needs of safety, security and care with extremely challenging individuals who society are unable to manage. She works with some of the most difficult prisoners in our population and has demonstrated aptitude, diligence and determination to succeed in achieving her Apprenticeship this year.”

NULC is currently delivering the Custodial Care Apprenticeship in three prisons – HMP Doncaster, HMP Dovegate and HMP Lowdham Grange.

Tanya said: “I feel really honoured to be recognised and receive an award.  I have really enjoyed my course and have worked really hard to complete my Apprenticeship.

“The support I have received from both HMP Dovegate and Newcastle-under-Lyme College has been fantastic; I really appreciate the time and effort everyone has put into my education.  I’m now looking forward to a successful career as a Prisoner Custody Officer.”

The Apprenticeship Recognition Awards are supported by Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), local employers and all partner organisations engaged in providing quality Apprenticeships to develop businesses and drive forward the local economy.

To find out more about becoming an apprentice at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/apprenticeships or contact the information point on info@nulc.ac.uk or 01782 254254.

Employer recommends ‘outstanding’ college apprenticeship service

National Apprenticeship Week 2012 (6 – 10 February)

Businesses across North Staffordshire are being urged to consider taking on an apprentice from one of the area’s leading training providers during National Apprenticeship Week.

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (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.

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.

Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains, Managing Director of Newcastle-based recruitment agency Appointments Personnel, is one of more than 400 local employers who have employed an apprentice through the College.

Kerry said: “I contacted various education and training providers regarding hiring an apprentice but I found NULC to be the most professional, efficient and thorough. They provided an outstanding service.

She continued: “I’d urge all local employers to consider hiring an apprentice, regardless of what sector they’re in. All the apprentices I have come in to contact with at NULC have been professional, dedicated and eager to learn.”

She added: “I was so impressed that I now regularly work with the College to provide talks and workshops to young people interested in business.”

Kerry’s apprentice is Max Powell, aged 18 from Newcastle. Max is undertaking an Apprenticeship in Business Administration whilst gaining valuable experience at the recruitment agency.

Max said: “When I first left school I wanted to study A Levels, but I soon decided that I wanted to be in a position where I could learn on the job.

“I completed the Network to Work course at NULC before starting the apprenticeship, which taught me valuable skills like interview training, networking and CV writing. It really helped my confidence and the workshops gave me a very useful insight into the business sector.”

He continued: “I thoroughly enjoy being apprentice; I get to earn money whilst I’m learning in a real workplace environment. The College and my employer Kerry have been really supportive and I’ve learnt so much about the business environment already. In the future I hope to be running my own business just like Kerry.”

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 Training at NULC said: “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.”

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.

Newcastle Apprenticeship Event

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