Enhancing the apprenticeship experience at Shipley College

Shipley College has seen amazing results in the provision and completion of Collaborative Apprenticeships, across a number of courses and learners.

Nearly 100 apprentices have completed courses to upskill or further their learning, gaining skills to benefit future career opportunities and improve the capabilities of what their respective employers can offer.

The most popular course on the project at Shipley College being completed by apprentices is ‘Exploring Mental Health’.

Across Collaborative Apprenticeships, current apprentices can choose from nearly 20 courses in areas such as environmental responsibility, digital marketing and customer service.

Of the ‘Customer Service’ course for current apprentices and those considering and apprenticeship course, completers said they learnt skills that will directly benefit their performance in their role.

Haasan, an apprentice at business supplies company ACS, said “How we communicate with customers is very important at ACS, so gaining extra customer service skills is beneficial to my role. The training enhances knowledge on various topics such as legislation and the different ways of communication within an organisation”.

Neve, another apprentice from ACS, stated “I believe I will handle future customer service queries more effectively” after finishing the course.

Apprentices are also benefitting with many mentors and managers of apprentices completing courses. With mentors completing courses in leadership, it will positively impact the learning experience and journey of apprentices under their management.

Shahnaz from Bradford Metropolitan District Council completed the Level 3 ILM Award in Mentoring. Upon completion commented “I will definitely be able to utilise mentoring skills gained to support development of new staff members including apprentices who join our organisation”.

Chloe from GMI Construction, stated “The training has contributed to the introduction to my new role at GMI, and will add value to apprenticeship programmes within the business”.

Through courses offered by Shipley College as part of the Collaborative Apprenticeships scheme funded by the European Social Fund, apprentices and mentors alike are thriving, growing and benefitting themselves and the organisations they work for.

Search the range of Collaborative Apprenticeship courses here. (link to Collaborative Apprenticeships (westyorkshirecolleges.co.uk))