Issue Seven I November 2024
Welcome to Engage
We’ve had a great start to the academic year, welcoming nearly 10,000 new and returning learners to our three Colleges.
It’s been fantastic to see many of our learners settling into their apprenticeships or placements with employers like yourselves, including our Project SEARCH interns with Siemens – which you will be able to read more about in this newsletter.
Colleagues across the Group work incredibly hard to create a positive experience for our learners and I’m delighted that these efforts have been recognised with multiple award nominations, with the Group named finalists at the Wakefield Business Awards and the Supply Chain Excellence Awards.
Our former University Centre student and Prop Forward for Wigan Warriors, Tyler Dupree, was also shortlisted for the Association of College’s Higher Education Student of the Year Award. This was a double victory for Tyler, after he helped Wigan Warriors make history by winning every rugby league trophy in the calendar year. Tyler is a shining example of what you can achieve through sheer determination and hard work, and we’re incredibly proud of him for his achievements both on and off the field.
We’re also keeping abreast of technological advances and how they are changing the landscape of many trades. That is why we’re expanding our Skills Bootcamp offer and launching brand-new Skills Connect courses to cover new and growing industries. These courses will enable employers like yourself, as well as your employees, to gain higher-technical skills in innovative and green technologies, preparing you for the future. You will be able to read more about these programmes, as well as hear from our learners and employers about how our Skills Bootcamps are benefitting them on page 2
We hope to see you soon and look forward to another successful year of working in partnership to give our learners the best possible opportunities.
Best wishes
Sam Wright Principal and CEO of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Skills Bootcamps
Learn more about our range of Skills Bootcamps and how they are providing learners with the higher-technical skills to enter a range of industries...
Site Operatives get underway
In September, we delivered our brand-new Skills Bootcamp in Site Operatives to clients of DWP Jobcentre Plus and Step Up. With a CSCS test at the end of the course, the learners were able to gain a labourer card and become eligible to apply for positions on construction sites.
To support them in taking their next steps, Caval Ltd, Hays, Malborough Brickwork and Morgan Sindall Construction, provided the learners with job interviews after completing their course.
"I’ve gained knowledge in all aspects of Carbon Capture and Storage. I plan to put my new skills into practice once my employer Enfinium has built its Carbon Capture and Storage plant."
Phil, Skills Bootcamp in Carbon Capture Student
Government prioritises Carbon Capture with £22bn funding
The government has recently pledged nearly £22 billion for carbon capture and storage projects, highlighting the key role carbon capture will play in helping the UK reach net zero.
Following this, over 850 people gathered at the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) conference in mid-October to discuss the global opportunities within carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
Sarah Jones, the Minister for Industry at both the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade, addressed the urgent need for carbon capture projects across the UK as part of her keynote speech, stating carbon capture is “a necessity, not an option.”
At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we’re providing individuals and businesses with the skills and knowledge to operate this climate saving technology through our Skills Bootcamp in Carbon Capture and Storage.
Over 45 learners have already taken part in the programme, with more learners currently completing the course. This will enable the learners, including employees of Drax Group and enfinium, to deploy future carbon capture projects at their businesses.
Supporting the logistics workforce of the future
According to the Department for Transport, the logistics industry has seen a drop in lorry drivers following Covid-19 and Brexit. The pandemic delayed 30,000 tests for new drivers, and Brexit hit fleet companies hard – with many European truck drivers leaving the UK.
That is why we worked with logistics training provider, Viamaster, to develop a brand-new Skills Bootcamp in LGV Driving where learners can gain a Cat C driving licence and the skills needed to become a LGV driver.
The learners took part in practical driving training, test practice and masterclasses, as well as job interviews with employers Hako, Juice Personnel and Mercado, who are looking to hire new LGV Drivers.
After completing the course, they also can progress onto a Cat C + E licence (trailers over 7500KG) after six months of driving with Cat C.
If you are interested in enrolling yourself or one of your employees onto a Skills Bootcamp, please contact our Employer Engagement Team at employerengagement@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
“We’re always looking for drivers as there is a shortage and a demand, so the Skills Bootcamp in LGV Driving means we are able to upskill our own drivers and make sure they are trained to a good standard to jump into that job. The programme has been great for us.”
Lizzi Greaves, Operations Manager at
Viamaster
Group launches Skills Bootcamps in key sectors
Delivered within Castleford College’s purpose-built construction workshops, learners on the Skills Bootcamp in Pipelaying and Groundworks will have the opportunity to be in an environment that simulates the conditions of a construction site.
They will acquire a range of skills, including installing ironworks, using and maintaining power tools and equipment, internal and external drainage and ducting systems, working safely in compliance with organisational policies and procedures and more.
The Group’s brand-new Skills Bootcamps will provide learners with the technical skills and knowledge to operate crucial green technologies or move into high-demand sectors, such as Heat Recovery, Groundworks and Pipelaying and Fenestration.
The Skills Bootcamp in Heat Recovery and Transfer will teach learners how to scope a heat recovery transfer system for their home or business, enabling them to reduce their energy costs by putting waste heat to a useful purpose. The Skills Bootcamps will be delivered on the following dates:
Heat Recovery and Transfer
15th November 2024
Pipelaying and Groundworks 11th November 2024, 2nd December 2024, 20th January 2025
All aboard: Project SEARCH interns start their journey with Siemens Mobility
Six Project SEARCH interns from Selby College have embarked on a new adventure with Siemens Mobility in Goole, where they will be able to gain insight into the workplace and build their skills and confidence.
The interns have got off to a great start so far working in Siemens Mobility’s Components Facility, which includes its rail gearboxes and motors, the warehouse, office and administration, and security and facilities maintenance.
Working with a job coach and a tutor, the interns will have access to specialised training and hands-on practical experience across various areas of the Rail Village.
On Thursday 3rd October, the interns attended the grand opening of Siemens’ new tube trains for the London Underground which go into service next year.
They got to meet some important people in government, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; Deputy Mayor of London, Seb Dance; Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh; the Commissioner for Transport for London, Andy Lord and Councillor for East Riding, Anne Handley
Project SEARCH intern, Linden, said: “We listened to the speeches and answered questions about our job roles and why we are taking part in the internship. I really liked attending the opening as I got to see the new train cars which I have been passionate about since I was young thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine! I was very happy to be part of a great day.”
The team at Siemens Mobility have gone the extra mile to make the interns feel at home, with the Apleona Department showering intern Lucy with gifts, balloons and cake on her birthday.
Many of the interns have progressed through our Foundation Learning provision, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them taking their first steps into the working world.
About Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is an internship programme aimed at young people aged 18-24 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping individuals with learning disabilities with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce.
If you are interested in becoming a Project SEARCH provider, please contact: projectsearch@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Seize new opportunities with our Apprenticeship levy opportunity
Are you a small to medium employer wanting to take on new apprentices or upskill your existing workforce through an apprenticeship? If so, we can fully fund training for your apprentices through levy transfer support from Drax.
Drax is supporting local and regional businesses by transferring their apprenticeship levy funds to employers who would normally need to contribute to the cost of their apprentice training. As part of this, transferred funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment up to the funding band maximum. Transfers can only be used for a new apprentice start. This doesn’t mean the apprentice has to be a new employee.
Drax Group will consider applications for levy transfers from all eligible SMEs across all sectors and is particularly interested in supporting regional skills within engineering, construction, data analytics and technology.
You may even be entitled to a £1,000 government incentive for taking on a new apprentice (T&Cs apply). If you are interested in fully-funded training for existing staff, or taking on new fully-funded apprentices sponsored by Drax, please contact: apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Our Recruitment and Engagement Team will support you every step of the way in accessing and applying for apprenticeship funding with Drax, including:
´ Helping you set up a Government Apprenticeship Service Account (if you do not already have one).
´ Guiding you through the process to apply for a transfer of Drax levy funds.
´ Subject to approval from Drax, we’ll aim to support your transition into their programme with no funds to pay.
Introduction to PLC & Automation Thursday 7th November, 6-8pm
If you are interested in taking part in a Skills Connect course, please contact our Employer Engagement Manager, Debbie Lee, on 01924 789762 or at dlee@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk In November, we will be delivering a range of Skills Connect courses which will help learners build confidence and skills, empowering you or your employees to take on the next opportunity that comes your way.
What’s new at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Kickstarting the academic year with a brand-new website
Creating an excellent experience for our stakeholders is a key priority for us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and our online presence plays a key role in this.
Designed to create a responsive and immersive experience for all users, our brand-new website is mobile-friendly has improved functionality, simplified navigation and enhanced accessibility.
The website also has a dedicated spaces for employers like yourselves, ensuring easy access to the latest content and news of interest to you. Visit our brand-new website, at: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
HTQ Construction course gets the DfE’s seal of approval Awards finalists
We recently worked on an exciting filming project with teams from Amazing Apprenticeships, Department for Education and Pearldrop Video Production, along with Debbie Watson from Caddick Construction Limited, to promote our Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ). We’re delighted to now be able to share our students' inspirational stories.
Hear from our HTQ Construction students about why they chose to study a HTQ and the benefits of it, as well as how they’re juggling their learning alongside their roles at Caddick Construction Limited, Keepmoat, Firecrest Construction and Hodgson Plastering and Rendering Specialists.
View the suite of videos at: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/htqs/
Group and Willmott Dixon named Wakefield Business Awards finalists
Acknowledging its contribution to developing skills across the construction industry, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and Willmott Dixon have been shortlisted for Wakefield Business Awards 2024.
We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Collaboration Award, which highlights how, alongside Willmott Dixon, we are creating new and enhanced opportunities for those aspiring to work in the construction sector.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements across various business categories, highlighting both organisations commitment to achieving excellence, innovation and community impact.
Dixon named headline sponsor for Give Construction a Try
Our next Give Construction a Try event will take place on Wednesday 12th March 2025, with Willmott Dixon named as the headline sponsor.
The event will see partners from industry and education working collaboratively to inform young people about opportunities within the construction industry, with a focus on how the industry will play a key role in helping the UK reach net zero.
The aim of the event is to inspire young people across Yorkshire to consider a career in construction and raise awareness of the diverse range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer.
If you would like to deliver a session at Give Construction a Try 2025, please contact our Employer Engagement Manager, Debbie Lee, at dlee@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Student named a finalist in Youthuild UK’s Young Builder of the Year Awards 2024
Recognising his remarkable achievements, Construction student at Castleford College, Alfie Parratt, has been named one of ten finalists at the Youthbuild UK’s Young Builder of the Year Awards 2024.
The awards celebrate the achievements of young people, who despite having to overcome a range of challenges, have succeeded in training or gaining employment in the construction industry.
After struggling with dyslexia from an early age, Alfie has conquered many hurdles to complete his studies which has seen him progress from a Multi Skills Level 1 Construction programme to a Level 1 Diploma in Bricklaying.
Alfie said: “I’m really happy to be a finalist of the Young Builder of the Year Awards and never thought I’d one day be visiting the House of Commons. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained from my course have not only enhanced my craftmanship but also opened the doors for future opportunities.”
The winners are unveiled at a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Commons on Wednesday 20th November 2024, hosted by the award’s Honorary President, Sir John Hayes MP
Highlighting Digital Transformations at our Employer Breakfast
Join us at our next Employer Breakfast where you can hear from and chat to businesses at the forefront of the digital curve.
Our flagship Employer Breakfast event is run during National Apprenticeship Week and will be held on Tuesday 11th February 2025 at The Education Exchange in Knottingley, from 8am until 9.30am
your interest using the QR code →
Celebrate the achievements of your
future workforce
We are looking for award sponsors for our Further Education Awards 2024, which celebrate our students’ achievements across our vast range of subject areas.
A sponsorship package is £100 per award and includes:
✓ Mention in press release
✓ Social media
✓ Logo in programme/on presentation/certificates
✓ Feature on our website
✓ Employer plaque
✓ Lunch at Gaskells at Wakefield/The Restaurant
If you are interested in sponsoring an award in your chosen field, please contact our Employer Engagement Manager, Debbie Lee, on 01924 789762 or at dlee@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Access your dream career with our online diplomas
After the success of our onsite Access to Higher Education programmes, we’ve launched a brand-new range of diplomas which can be carried out from the comfort of your own home.
Our range of Online Access courses are nationally recognised programmes which can provide you with the qualifications and knowledge to get you into university and onto your dream career.
• No A Levels required
• No lessons to attend or exams
• Complete assignments in your own time with friendly expert personal tutor support
Our Online Access courses cover the following areas:
• Health Professional
• Computer Science
• Engineering
*Courses can be accessed by anyone over the age of 19 in England and will be free of charge to learners, excluding in some postcodes. Please contact us to check your eligibility.
Help define our Engineering Apprenticeship standard
Are you experienced in Apprenticeship Design? Have an Engineering background and keen to pass on your knowledge to the next generation?
We’re looking for somebody to help write our brand-new Degree Apprenticeships in Engineering, launching September 2025.
If you think you could help, and will be available to start in the coming months, please get in touch on apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk for an informal discussion.
