College Marks Enrolment Boost During National Apprenticeship Week

LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING is celebrating ten years of growth in enrolment as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

The college is the largest further education college providing specialist roofing training to apprentices in the UK.

Over the last decade, a focus on apprenticeships has resulted in a significant growth of the College’s technical and professional training.

Areas as varied as Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, and Transport Planning saw just ten apprentices enrolling in 2011.

By 2018, this figure stood at over 700 with female apprentices increasing from one to over 150.

Vicky Patterson, Curriculum Manager for Technical and Professional Apprenticeships said: “I am incredibly proud of our work with apprentices at Leeds College of Building. We continually try to go above and beyond our normal duties to enhance the apprentices’ experiences and ensure that we produce the most creative and brilliant young professionals of the future.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the employers associated with the College, their continued backing, and the opportunities they provide to our students and apprentices. Together, we can play our part in supplementing industry needs, and so we are delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week 2020.”

Further growth

Four years ago, the College had a total of 965 apprentices. However by the end of the last academic year, that had grown to almost 2,250 across all areas of the College’s provision.

Over the same period, Higher Level Apprenticeships have also increased, up from 73 to 465.

Derek Whitehead, Principal & CEO, said, “The College continues to develop the range of apprenticeship provision, working with small and large employers to support skills needs in the industry.

“We are extremely proud of the quality of teaching and learning and the support we provide to employers and apprentices. This is demonstrated by repeat business from our employers, extremely high retention and achievement rates, and apprentices securing permanent jobs with the same company.”

This year is the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Events this week

The college is hosting a number of events, which also mark its latest successful Ofsted inspection and surpassing all apprenticeship targets, Leeds College of Building is pulling out all the stops and hosting a range of apprenticeship events and activities to mark #NAW2020.

Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair 2020 (Monday 3rd February, 4-8pm, first direct arena):

Leeds College of Building will be attending the annual Fair, the largest event of its kind in the north of England giving those interested in apprenticeships along with their parents and carers an unrivalled opportunity to meet and speak to some of the UK’s biggest employers and trainers.

Employer Workshops (Tuesday 4th February, North Street Campus):

Morrison Utility Services will be attending the College for workshops with BTEC Level 3 Civil and Construction students, Level 2 Brickwork students, and Level 2 General Construction Operation Apprentices.

The theme for #NAW2020 is ‘Making Impact’, highlighting how worthwhile apprenticeships are as an alternative to going to university. Employers and apprentices from across the country will come together to encourage more young people to choose an apprenticeship.

Open Event (Tuesday 11th February, 5-7pm, North Street Campus):

The College is open for those leaving school, older students, and adults to meet the team, tour the workshops, and learn more about the apprenticeships and trade courses on offer and see the fantastic resources and facilities available.

For more details about all the events taking place at Leeds College of Building, visit the college’s website here.