NEXT week, Bradford College will join the rest of the country in marking the 16th annual National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2023).
Taking place from February 6-12, the week-long celebration showcases the incredible benefits apprenticeships bring using this year’s theme, ‘Skills for Life’.
Bradford College has a packed timetable of #NAW2023 activities planned, including specialist staff training, an apprenticeship open day, and the Apprenticeship Games - a day of fun challenges and quizzes for employers and their apprentices.
Anyone considering an apprenticeship, or employing an apprentice is invited to attend the Bradford College Apprenticeship Open Day on Wednesday, February 8, from 2-6 pm at the Apprenticeships building (Little Germany Campus on Chapel Street). Book a place via the Bradford College website and get expert advice from the team.
Bradford College has over 30 years of experience delivering apprenticeships across varied sectors. Apprenticeships in healthcare, construction, engineering, dental, motor vehicle, early years, hairdressing, and teaching are available, alongside Professional Services apprenticeships in Business Administration, Customer Service, and Team Leader & Management.
The College boasts a roll-on roll-off curriculum, which means all apprenticeships can begin at any point within the year. The College can help with the process of applying, CV writing, interview tips, or speaking to a business about the benefits of employing an apprentice.
Many small businesses also take advantage of regional apprenticeship funding for training existing staff.
Kelly McAllister, Head of Apprenticeships and Business Development at Bradford College, said: “We also offer higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeships, ideal for employees who, for example, are promoted to supervisors or team leaders but need additional management development.”
Last year, Bradford College was awarded the title of West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year at the first-ever West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
The College supports up to 1,600 apprentices across approximately 900 employers at any one time in Bradford and beyond.
* Find out more at www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships and www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
DURING National Apprenticeship Week, Thursday, February 9 also marks ‘T Level Thursday’ – the first annual celebration of the new qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds.
T Levels are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to three A levels. They focus on technical skills and can help students into employment, higher study, or degree apprenticeships. Designed in collaboration with leading employers, T Levels provide in-demand skills businesses across the region need through classroom study with industry placements.
T Levels are now available to study in a wide range of subjects, with Bradford College offering Fast Track to T Level (progression to T Level courses) and T Levels programmes in Construction, Digital Production and Design, Education and Childcare, Health, and Healthcare Science.
Many local businesses embrace T Levels as a great way to nurture young talent. Find out more about #TLevelThursday and T Levels enrolling for September starts at www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk
TO mark National Apprenticeship Week, Bradford College apprentices and employers are invited to form teams and enter the first ever Apprenticeship Games. Teams will compete against one another in fun 1-on-1 skill, physical, and knowledge challenges across various departments. Points will be tallied at the end of the day for teamwork, communication, and achievement.
Employers currently working with Bradford College are invited to register for the tournament being held on Thursday, February 9 at the Great Horton Road campus. Following a welcome breakfast at 9.30am, competitors will enjoy six surprise rounds, lunch, a closing ceremony, and the winner announcement at 2.30pm. Register your team on the events section at bradfordcollege.ac.uk and you might win bragging rights of Apprenticeship Games champions 2023!
EMPLOYERS across the region are boosting staff skills thanks to funding from the national apprenticeship levy. Introduced in 2017, the funding allows employers to provide staff with a range of training.
However, many small businesses still don’t realise funding is available - not just for junior team members, but existing and established staff.
Kelly McAllister, Head of Apprenticeships and Business Development at Bradford College, said: “It’s incredible how often we hear from employers that they had no idea apprenticeship funding and training was available to up-skill existing staff at degree level, not just school-leavers starting their career.
"They are a fantastic way of amplifying in-house skills and retaining valued, long-serving staff.”
More than £2 billion of unused apprenticeship funding has been returned to the Treasury to date, which could instead cover 95-100 per cent of an apprenticeship in the Bradford district.
* Find out how your business could benefit by calling (01274) 728316, emailing betteridge@bradfordcollege.ac.uk or going to www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships
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