APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE Frontier House Merchants Quay Salford Quays M50 3SR 0161 631 5555 apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk Website:
Editor-in-chief Allan Milne Features Editor Tom Davidson Adelle Wilson Art Direction Tom Davidson George Garner Guest Contributor Roy Cavanagh MBE
CONTENTS
winter 2021/22
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WELCOME A welcome to this edition from the team.
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CAV’S COLUMN Our regular columnist Roy Cavanagh MBE gives his latest insight on the world of apprenticeships.
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DOUBLE AWARD-WIN FOR APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE AT THE CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS Apprenticeships at Salford City College were awarded ‘Provider of the Year’ for 2021 as well as having apprentice Paul Horan receive the award for ‘Level 4 Construction Apprentice of the Year.’
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KATY HOOK WINS ‘WIGAN COUNCIL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR’ FOR OUTSTANDING FRONTLINE WORK DURING PANDEMIC Care Support Apprentice Katy Hook gives her account of winning the award and working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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NO APPRENTICE LEFT BEHIND We team up with Cognassist to enhance our apprenticeship support package.
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SALFORD CITY COLLEGE GROUP INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS The Salford City College Group Industry Partners initiative aims to build a partnership between employers and the College, enabling our students to gain practical work experience, preparing them for the real working world.
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SARAH’S STORY Newly-appointed Sarah Allen talks about the recent updates in the apprenticeship recruitment sector and what the team have been up to over the past few months.
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BUILD SALFORD 2021 TRAINEE SUCCESS Twenty-four young people are now building new careers in Salford’s booming construction industry thanks to a unique traineeship programme.
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SALFORD CITY COLLEGE GROUP LAUNCH NEW BUSINESS CENTRE TO BUILD INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS Colleagues at Salford City College Group came together with stakeholders and Governors to celebrate the launch of the new Business Centre on Thursday 11th November 2021.
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AN APPRENTICE SUPPORTING AN APPRENTICE Apprenticeships come in a variety of levels and are not just for those who are wanting to begin their careers in a specific sector. Sarah Scanlan and Jordi Matthews are a prime example of how two different levels of apprentices can both help and support each other.
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Q&A WITH SALFORD FOUNDATION REFINING THEIR DIGITAL STRATEGY THROUGH APPRENTICESHIPS We sat down with Mairi Palmer, Business Manager and Azeem Khan, Digital Support Technician at Salford Foundation to see how Azeem has been settling into his new apprenticeship. Salford Foundation are a charity that support young people and adults across the North-West and have recently transitioned their workforce to online systems to enable them to continue offering services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
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CHATSWORTH MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST PRAISE LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE The Chatsworth Multi-Academy Trust was established to bring together high quality provision, professionals and practitioners in the Greater Manchester area in order to maximise the quality of education, care and opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
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BECOME A DATA SUPPORT TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE Take your next steps up the career ladder with a Data Technician Support Apprenticeship with Salford City College.
LEARNING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR 2021 GOLD WINNER THE LEARNING AWARDS
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Welcome to the winter 2021 edition of Achieve An Inspirational Team It is with immense pride that I look back over 2021. The challenges Covid-19 presented were never far away, yet my Apprenticeship Team colleagues have delivered a year like no other. First and foremost, they have ensured their apprentices continue to receive the best quality apprenticeship experience. The results of our apprenticeship survey in September were excellent, with improvements in all areas from the previous year. Our apprenticeship completion success results also increased, going against the national trend of decrease due to significant Covid-19 impact. Quarter 1, (August to October) was also an apprenticeship recruitment record for us, with more apprentices starting than ever before. These are massive achievements in the context of the external pressures we have faced, and I am incredibly proud of the team.
Triple Award-Winners I know I am surrounded by the most amazing people providing outstanding provision, but for this to be recognised externally is fantastic. In February, The Learning and Performance Institute, in a ceremony hosted digitally by Claudia Winkleman, confirmed us as their prestigious ‘Learning Provider of the Year’ for 2021. A magnificent achievement. Fast forward a few months and we were awarded ‘Construction Apprentice Provider of the Year’ at the Apprenticeship Construction Awards. To round the year off, in November it was confirmed that we had been shortlisted as a finalist for the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards Employer Engagement category.
No apprentice left behind inclusive not exclusive There are numerous other fantastic success stories from 2021, but a key one, and one in which I am particularly passionate about, is the development and investment we have made in our additional learning support for apprentices. There is no doubt that apprenticeships are becoming more popular, which is fantastic. However, this is generating greater competition for opportunities. It is vital that we ensure apprenticeships remain inclusive to all, especially those who may have struggled with
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education and learning previously. In September we appointed a new Apprentice Additional Learning Support Co-ordinator, to allow us to really focus in on the support we need to provide apprentices who have additional learning needs, and in addition, we partnered with market leading EdTech provider Cognassist, whose neurodiversity assessment and learning support software is pioneering in the apprenticeship sector. Finally, we finished the year off with the launch of our Salford City College Group Business Centre, located at Frontier House in Salford Quays, the base for our Apprenticeship Team. The Business Centre is a great place for us to work with our employer and industry partners, but also for our employer partners to do business. As you can see from the images on page 16, the Centre looks fantastic and we hope it will allow us even closer synergy with our partners and stakeholders for years to come. I would just like to thank all employers who provide our apprentices with unbelievable experiences. Another brilliant success for us this year is that more of our apprentices than ever before have remained in employment and progressed to higher-level studies. This can only happen when employers are fully on board and passionate abut creating opportunities for their apprentices. To all of our apprentices, your dedication and determination in these challenging times is inspirational. Keep working hard in 2022 and your career dreams will come true. Finally, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Stay safe,
Allan Milne
ALLAN MILNE
KAREN KENNY
Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships
Assistant Director of Apprenticeships
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CAV’S COLUMN “A champion of training for young people.” Roy Cavanagh MBE has remained with the major contractor, Seddon, for over 50 years. He received an MBE for his services to construction and is renowned for his efforts in campaigning for apprenticeships and training for young people across Salford and the UK. Roy is passionate about anything Salfordian as he was born and raised in the city and has lived in Ordsall, Little Hulton and Worsley.
ROY CAVANAGH MBE As we celebrate yet another award for Salford City College Group, with the presentation of the ‘Construction Apprentice Provider of the Year’ award for 2021, we remark on the criteria needed to succeed, namely skills and development. The College, deservedly, is making great strides to emphasise the real need for a well-trained, productive workforce. Development in staff gives employees the opportunity to achieve what is needed for the organisation they work for. There is an abundance of industries future apprentices can break into, including the hospitality sector. There are many excellent restaurants in and around the City of Salford, with opportunities available both in-front and back-of-house, as well as potential management routes. The hospitality sector is booming post lockdown, and there has never been a better opportunity for individuals to gain employment in restaurants, hotels and conference centres. The fantastic Apprenticeship Team at Salford City College has a range of industry expert staff, ready and willing to help young people achieve their career goals. By investing in a wide range of apprenticeship schemes, the college support students by providing them with the qualifications, on-the-job experience, and transferable skills needed to succeed. The College is also a front runner for traineeships, as evident in their coordination of Build Salford, a construction traineeship for 16 - 24-year-olds. I have seen this initiative going from strength to strength under the leadership of the College and Salford City Council and all the leading contractors who are involved, including my own company Seddon. Congratulations to all those who have worked so hard to bring this program to students across Salford. Those seeking a career in the construction industry would do well in taking part in Build Salford; with skill, determination and ambition, you could become the next ‘Apprentice of the Year’!
ROY CAVANAGH MBE
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Above: Paul Horan (centre) accepts his award from CEO of Construction EPA Company Samuel Riley (right) and Comedian Justin Moorhouse (left)
DOUBLE AWARD-WIN FOR APPRENTICESHIPS AT Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year SALFORD CITY COLLEGE AT THE CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS Apprenticeships at Salford City College were awarded ‘Provider of the Year’ for 2021 as well as having apprentice Paul Horan receive the award for ‘Level 4 Construction Apprentice of the Year.’ The Construction Apprenticeship Awards took place on Friday, 8th October 2021 at Dukes 92 in Manchester City Centre and was sponsored by Construction EPA Company. The event recognised excellence and achievement of apprentices, providers and employers in the UK construction apprenticeships sector, with winners chosen through demonstrating consistent high-quality and innovation, and apprentices who have evidenced resilience and determination within their construction apprenticeship role. With a drinks reception, buffet, networking and entertainment from Mancunian comedian Justin Moorhouse, the attendees were certainly in for an evening of enjoyment. Sitting amongst other nominees shortlisted from across the country, the competition was close, however Apprenticeships at Salford City College impressed the judging panel and achieved the ‘Provider of the Year’ award. When awarding the team with the highly-commended award, the judges said: “We are blown away by Allan’s knowledge and passion for the organisation and highly impressed by Salford City College Group’s forward thinking and always putting the employer and local community first.” In addition to this award, Salford City College apprentices Paul Horan and Jack Thompson were nominated for Level 4 & Level 2 Apprentices of the Year, with Paul going on to win the award for his category.
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The judges said of Paul’s achievement: “Paul is a transcending individual, and his achievements are a credit to himself and to the NHS. He is truly deserving of this award.” Commenting on the achievements of the College and apprentice Paul, Allan Milne, Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships at Salford City College Group, said: “Demand for skills and new people in the construction sector is huge across Greater Manchester, and we are working incredibly hard as a College Group to meet these skills shortages through apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time courses. It is fantastic that these efforts have been recognised and we are very proud to receive this award. Young people can develop amazing careers in the sector, if, like Paul, they commit to learning and developing. Paul has done amazingly well and is set for life in a career that will reward him very well if continues to work hard and be passionate.” These awards can now proudly join the College trophy shelf alongside to the ‘Learning Provider of the Year’ for 2021 award that the College won earlier in the year at the Learning Awards. Allan added, “I am fortunate to work with some of the very best apprenticeship and work-based learning practitioners who are passionate about ensuring all apprentices and learners receive the best possible experience. The award success demonstrates this commitment and motivates us all to continue to provide the best possible experience for all of the people we support.”
Below: Salford City College Group Colleagues accept the award for ‘Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’
“I AM FORTUNATE TO WORK WITH SOME OF THE VERY BEST APPRENTICESHIP AND WORK-BASED LEARNING PRACTITIONERS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENSURING ALL APPRENTICES AND LEARNERS RECEIVE THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE.” - Allan Milne
Above: Nominee for ‘Level 2 Apprentice of the Year’ Jack Thompson
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Trainer Assessor Fiona Walker, Katy Hook, Delivery Leader Susan Hilton and Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships Allan Milne Katy Hook
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Katie Hook wins ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at GM Health & Care Champions Awards for Outstanding Frontline Work during Pandemic “I was in my living room watching the event virtually and in total shock. When it sunk in, I was jumping around with my Mum, Dad and dog.” This was Katie Hook’s reaction when she heard her name announced at the GM Health & Care Champion Awards. After working continually throughout the Covid-19 pandemic in a frontline care home, Katy was awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and couldn’t have been happier with the result. The event saw 13 different awards recognising the different but equally important contributions of the health and care colleagues across Greater Manchester. Awards were given to community champions, those who have driven innovation, volunteers, leaders at any level and those who have helped improve the wellbeing of those around them during such a challenging year. The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award was looking to be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Greater Manchester, who has gone over and above expectations and their role as an apprentice (maybe taking on a different role to support our health and care system) and has demonstrated dedication to their development during a challenging time. Katie started her apprenticeship in 2019 at Etherstone Day Centre after completing supported employment. Not long after starting her apprenticeship, the Covid-19 pandemic surfaced. Katy very quickly had to adapt to not only the new role, but the new restrictions presented to her by the pandemic. “I had a lot of challenges, but was very grateful for my role as Activities Co-ordinator. This involved facilitating various workshops with the residents, including crafts, bingo, memory games and more. I also supported with one-to-one care, helped with feeding and personal care.” During the difficulties of the pandemic, Katie also covered for other members of staff, saying: “I tried my best. At one point, I was worried I was not able to continue. I have ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. But with the help of my employer and the College, adaptations were made so that I could continue. I have just submitted my final unit!”
A typical day for Katie involves preparing activities for the residents, helping out with taking temperatures and sanitising communal areas, helping with diaries, personal care and general support for the residents, who have a range of needs to support such as Alzheimers and dementia. “I like working with people, and even more so because the residents seem happy when I am around them. One resident in particular always asked for me and this makes me take a lot of pride in my work.”
“With the help of my employer and the College, adaptations were made so that I could continue.” Katie wants to continue her job in the care sector, perhaps undertaking an administrative role or continuing with activity coordination. “I loved my education at school and always wanted to go straight into a job after leaving. I often thought it would not be possible due to my learning difficulties, but here I am. With the support of my employer and the College, I have managed to come through. My parents couldn’t be prouder!” Julie Herbert, Establishment Manager at Etherstone Day Centre and Katie’s Manager, commented: “Katie’s journey has not been an easy one, but I am very proud of her and also the staff at Etherstone Day Centre for the way they have supported her journey.” If you would like to learn more about apprenticeships in the care sector, contact the Apprenticeship Team today on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.
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NO APPR LEFT B
Government research indicates that 19.5% of 16-64 year olds have a disability or learning difficulty across England, yet only 10% of apprentices who start on programme declare any learning need or disability. Added to this is the certainty that apprentices are becoming more and more popular, and competition for new apprenticeship opportunities is bigger than ever before.
Ensuring apprenticeships remain inclusive, rather than become exclusive is something Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships, Allan Milne is really passionate about: ‘’As a College Group, we have amazing additional learning support for full-time students, and it is inspiring to see the work we do. It is vital we mirror this approach in our apprenticeship function, enabling all individuals to obtain and successfully achieve their apprenticeship.” In September, Angela Fink was promoted into the new role of Apprenticeship Additional Needs Co-ordinator and has made an immediate impact. Not only is Angela providing support to apprentices, but also implementing new ideas and strategies that can be implemented by all colleagues across the Apprenticeship Team.
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ANGELA FINK
“What I like most about my job is ensuring all apprentices have the opportunity to succeed in their chosen profession, especially when they may have had difficulties in previous education settings.”
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RENTICE EHIND One of the key developments has been the introduction of Cognassist to Apprenticeships at Salford City College. The award winning EdTech solution is a market leader in the apprenticeship sector and in the additional learning support space. The Cognassist software begins with a comprehensive but user-friendly cognitive assessment based on the eight different domains of the brain, producing a comprehensive neurodiversity report and enabling additional learning and support needs to be identified.
19.5% of 16-64 year olds have a disability or learning difficulty
NO APPRENTICE LEFT BEHIND
Furthermore, the software then transitions to digital learning and support materials, which apprentices can access at any time, to help them overcome their learning needs and successfully complete their apprenticeship.
Only 10% of apprentices who start on programme declare any learning need or disability.
If you would like to ask any questions about the learning support that your apprentices could receive, please email Angela Fink on angela.fink@salfordcc.ac.uk.
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DEVELOP TALENT TODAY FOR THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW The Salford City College Group Industry Partners initiative aims to build a partnership between employers and the College, enabling our students to gain practical work experience, preparing them for the real working world. We strive to shape and influence the curriculum we deliver through collaborating with our partners, keeping up-to-date with industry practice to ensure our course content is relevant and meaningful. We are looking to build on and create new relationships with employers in the North West who can commit some of their valuable time and resource by way of work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, providing live briefs and enhancing our students’ learning experience. In return our students will create value for your organisation, provide fresh and innovative ideas for your business and you will be supporting and developing the workforce of the future. Considerable capital investment over the last five years has positioned the College Group extremely well to support the demands of the local and regional business community. Let us help your business thrive through the support and development of students’ learning. For more information, contact us today on 0161 631 5555 or email business.centre@salfordcc.ac.uk.
NICOLA HODKINSON - INDUSTRY PARTNER DIRECTOR & OWNER, SEDDON
“It is vital that industry work in collaboration with education institutions to develop the best talent for the future.”
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OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS What we look for in our industry partnerships:
FORWARD THINKING ORGANISATIONS
Recognising that the talent they need for their business to thrive in the future must be developed today
WILLING TO BE A STRATEGIC PARTNER
Supporting us to help develop the best talent for your business and sector
PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY WORK EXPERIENCE
SUPPORT & ADVISE OUR STAFF
RECOGNISE THE CHANGES IN THEIR SECTOR
Ensuring the talent of tomorrow have exposure to high-quality, work-based learning opportunities
Supportive with our curriculum content and influence our curriculum with live briefs
As advances are made in the workplace, they must equally be made in our Colleges, to ensure learners are exposed to the experiences they need to ready them for the real working world
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Sarahs Story Apprenticeship Recruitment Team Leader Sarah Allen gives her latest insight into the world of apprenticeship recruitment. In this edition, we introduce Sarah and her background experience.
New role, same amazing passion We are delighted to announce that Sarah Allen has recently been promoted into the role of Apprenticeship Recruitment Team Leader, following three very successful years as an Apprentice and Employer Advisor with the Apprenticeship Team. Sarah has all the attributes to be a brilliant Team Leader, and we are delighted she is continuing her own professional career growth and development with the College. Following a very successful career in the entertainment sector she transitioned into the welfare to work sector, supporting young people from across Salford to reengage with education, employment and career development. This ignited her passion for helping people develop successful careers, and when the opportunity came up to join the Apprenticeship Team three years ago she jumped at it, and has been amazing ever since. Sarah is thrilled to be leading a brilliant recruitment team, commenting, “My colleagues in the Recruitment Team are super passionate about helping individuals to enter their dream career through apprenticeships and equally as determined to help our fantastic employer clients to find the talent they need to drive forward their business.’’ Sarah added, “We have started more apprentices with local employers in Quarter 1 (August - October) than ever before and the team have been amazing. We are all looking forward to taking this into 2022 and working with more amazing apprentices and employers.” Louise Jones, Employer Services Team Leader is delighted to have Sarah in post, commenting, ‘’Sarah is determined to provide the best possible service and really is passionate about helping people. 2022 is going to be a great year, building on the huge success of 2021.” If you are keen to establish a career through an apprenticeship or are an employer looking to recruit new talent into your business, please call Sarah on 0161 631 5338.
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SARAH ALLEN
UITMENT & BUSINESS APPRENTICESHIP RECR LEADER DEVELOPMENT TEAM
T 0161 631 5338 M 07803 496150 cc.ac.uk E sarah.allen@salford W www.salfordcc.ac.uk HEAD OFFICE:
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Talent Journal Laila-Mae Salisbury Over the Summer, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team connected Laila-Mae Salisbury, an Apprentice in Business Administration, with Triangle Care Group. Laila has flourished in her new role, supporting the organisation in the positive development of young people through specialist support services. On completing High School, Laila received a Distinction in her Level 2 Health and Social Care and a Merit in her Level 2 Business Studies - amazing results! Eager to progress, Laila is now completing her Level 3 Business Studies, which provides a strong understanding of business concepts to assist in the world of work. Laila’s colleague, Gill Buckley, Executive Assistant at Triangle Care, commented, “Laila is a keen learner who goes above and beyond to deliver great results and hit her deadlines. Fitting in seamlessly into the company, Laila is responsive and friendly with clients and staff alike, always maintaining professionalism. She has been a great appointment for us and continues to receive positive feedback in her regular Trainer Assessor visits.” Throughout the course of her apprenticeship, Laila has learnt and expanded on a number of skills in research and data management, creating spreadsheets and reports. Laila is also well on her way in completing The Triangle Group’s internal online training, which includes development in GDPR and Health and Safety. In future months, further training aspects will also include Operational, Life Coach, and Support Work training, including child exploitation and safeguarding. Laila’s Line Manager, Marketing Manager Sam Clarke, is thrilled with Laila’s progress, “Laila is well on her way to building a fantastic training portfolio; we complete weekly welfare checks and progress discussions to ensure Leila is comfortable in her role and meeting her objectives. More recently, she has also been involved in marketing our staff vacancies and events on our LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms.”
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BUILD SALFORD 2021 TRAINEE SUCCESS Twenty four young people are now building new careers in Salford’s booming construction industry thanks to a unique traineeship programme. Build Salford, which is supported by Apprenticeships at Salford City College, Salford City Council, local construction companies and social housing providers, took on 25 16-24 year olds for its latest intake. They are now progressing into apprenticeships or full time jobs. The partnership has also benefited from the increasing involvement of Salford Foundation, who have vast experience in supporting those furthest away from the labour market in Salford. It is one of the best results ever from the scheme which helps young people who might otherwise struggle to secure apprenticeships or job opportunities. Allan Milne, Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships at Salford City College said: “Yet again Build Salford, so unique because of its broad array of partners, has delivered. Progressing nearly all of the young people into apprenticeships or jobs really is a tough ask, but that is exactly what has been achieved. “The trainees themselves deserve so much credit. They have worked incredibly hard to ensure they succeed.” Councillor John Walsh, Executive Support Member for Education and Learning at Salford City Council, congratulated the trainees and said: “These young people are now on the road to successful careers in Salford’s booming construction industry thanks to their hard work and the superb support of Build Salford.” The trainees, members of the Build Salford consortium and many construction employers who have contributed to the traineeship this year came together at the new Business Centre at
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Apprenticeships at Salford City College Headquarters to celebrate the success. Fifteen completed the Build Salford traineeship and 10 completed a secondary programme. Build Salford is a unique traineeship programme for 16-24 year olds to get involved in if they are seeking the gateway to an apprenticeship with some of the best, local construction companies. The programme has over 20 dedicated industry partners who all have one thing in mind, to create as many opportunities as possible for young people looking to kick start their career in the construction sector.
“Yet again Build Salford, so unique because of its broad array of partners, has delivered.” Certificates, gift bags and custom toolkits were donated by Salix Homes and presented by Councillor John Walsh. Each custom toolkit was tailored to each trainee’s career path. Jackie Crook, Skills and Work Manager at Salix Homes, said: “Build Salford is a unique programme that facilitates the public, private and third sectors to work together, to help young people living in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods access apprenticeships and jobs in the construction industry. “Being involved in the programme and watching the young people develop their skills and seeing their confidence and belief in themselves grow is a truly incredible experience. Salix Homes is proud to sponsor such an amazing project.”
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This year’s traineeship was delivered at the Morgan Sindall Knowledge Quad - an onsite classroom space at their University of Salford development.
Councillor John Walsh presented this year’s successful trainees with custom toolkits, provided by Salix Homes.
Trainees took part in a six-week work placement where they built on the skills learned at the Knowledge Quad.
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DE V E LO PI N G TAL E N T T O D A Y FOR T HE WO RKF O R CE O F T O M O R R O W
SALFORD CITY COLLEGE GROUP LAUNCH NEW BUSINESS CENTRE TO BUILD INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
The newly launched facility in the heart of Salford Quays is now open for business. Colleagues at Salford City College Group came together with stakeholders and Governors to celebrate the launch of the new Business Centre on Thursday 11th November 2021. The event began with a networking session, opening address, and a key note guest speaker Nicola Hodkinson, Director and Owner at Seddon. Attendees were welcomed into the Centre and toured the new facilities to discover what the space can offer.
“The Business Centre is a significant investment by Salford City College Group to ensure we continue to be at the forefront of post 16 education.” The Business Centre is situated within Salford City College’s Frontier House. It houses an array of bookable facilities that are available for businesses to use, including a conference space, training and delivery areas, meeting rooms, and hot desking 16
facilities. The Business Centre can be used for a range of events or simply to provide a welcoming space to plug in a laptop and catch-up on some emails. The venue has been designed as a flexible collaboration space to support the people and organisations across the region, and in turn create opportunities for the talented, dedicated and committed talent which Salford City College Group supports. Allan Milne, Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships at Salford City College Group, said: “The Business Centre is a significant investment by Salford City College Group to ensure we continue to be at the forefront of post 16 education. It is an outstanding facility where we can do business, but so too can our employer partners and stakeholders. I really look forward to welcoming our partners to the Centre.” The launch of the Centre goes hand in hand with a new Industry Partners initiative, which aims to build-on and create new relationships with employers that will enable Salford City College students to gain practical work experience, preparing them for the real working world. The initiative calls for businesses to commit some of their valuable time and resource by way of work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, providing live briefs and enhancing our students’ learning experience. In return, with the support of the College,
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students will create value for businesses in the North West. The initiative will also play a key part in developing the workforce of the future, creating opportunities for local young people and preparing them for their future careers.
SCAN BELOW TO WATCH THE VIDEO FROM LAUNCH NIGHT
Rebecca Parks, Acting Principal at Salford City College Group, commented “One of our key strategic intentions is to ensure our students are ready and able to transition into successful careers when they finish College. By working with our Industry Partners, we can ensure our curriculum and delivery models are best placed to support this. Through high quality, and meaningful work experience, we can also ensure our students are accustomed to and prepared for the world of work. We have some amazing talent within the Salford City College Group, and we want our industry partners to benefit from this talent for years to come in their businesses.” If you would like to book the Business Centre or learn more about the Industry Partners initiative, contact the team now on 0161 631 5555 or email business.centre@salfordcc.ac.uk.
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An Apprentice Supporting an
Apprentice Jordi Matthews
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Sarah Scanlan
WINTER 2021/22
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of levels and are not just for those who are wanting to begin their careers in a specific sector. Sarah Scanlan and Jordi Matthews are a prime example of how two different levels of apprentices can both help and support each other. After moving into a more senior role at Salford City Council, Sarah Scanlan, Head of Participation (14-19), decided that it was time to invest in her own personal development. She explained: “I saw the opportunity through the Springboard Programme that the Council and the College were putting together and it was a great opportunity to invest in me. “I had limited experience of managing people and so I really felt the need to broaden my skillset.” The #LeadingSalford Springboard programme is a bespoke initiative designed specifically for existing managers with high potential to further develop their strategic leadership capabilities. The programme has been created to enable leaders to further develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead highly engaged and motivated teams who are empowered to deliver service improvement and transformation. Undertaking her apprenticeship throughout the pandemic, Sarah has felt like even though there has been limited face to face teaching, she has still received an abundance of support. She commented: “It’s been really helpful to know that there is so much support on hand, no matter what day or time, there’s always someone to help you when you need it. I think without that, I would’ve felt really alone. Especially when we haven’t been able to be together as a group of apprentices, it can be quite isolating. “My assessor Karen, has been the biggest help to me throughout this whole process. Whether it’s at eight o’clock in the morning or six in the evening, she has been there to answer all of my burning questions.” Going into the experience knowing that she also had the task of supporting another apprentice made Sarah feel more daunted. She explained: “At the start of the process I was thinking how am I going to help someone else whilst I also navigate myself through this new experience.” But after talking to Jordi and working alongside each other Sarah felt as though it was a blessing in disguise. She added: “It’s turned out to be such as blessing because the knowledge that I’ve been learning through my apprenticeship, especially given that it’s leadership and management, has been able to help me to coach and understand what Jordi is going through. “Apprenticeships are hard, seeing as you are balancing work and learning at the same time. But they are also rewarding. Through this experience we have actually helped to support each other and it has been really helpful to know she understands what I’m going through and vice versa.” Upon achieving a First-Class Honours in Public Services at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jordi Matthews decided it was time to start her career. After coming across the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Apprenticeships at Salford City College, Jordi felt this was the right way to achieve her goals. She explained: “I chose to do an apprenticeship as I left University and I thought that it was a great opportunity to get into the world of work and to get onto the career ladder.” Jordi has since completed her apprenticeship and achieved a distinction. She commented: “It felt really good for all of my hard work to be recognised in my final grade. Now that I have completed the apprenticeship, I’m looking forward to focusing all of my attention on my role within the council.” Over the duration of her apprenticeship, Jordi has also relied on Sarah for advice and guidance and noted that her experience wouldn’t have been the same if Sarah was not also on an apprenticeship. She explained: “Alongside being thrown into the work and joining a fantastic organisation, the best part has been sharing the experience with Sarah. She has given me so much support over the duration of our apprenticeships. It’s nice knowing that if I’m ever stuck on a piece of coursework, I can go to her for help and advice.” If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Sarah and Jordi and start an apprenticeship, then contact the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team on: 0161 631 5555 or apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk. 19
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Q&A with Salford Foundation
Refining their Digital Strategy through Apprenticeships We sat down with Mairi Palmer, Business Manager and Azeem Khan, Digital Support Technician at Salford Foundation to see how Azeem has been settling into his new apprenticeship. Salford Foundation are a charity that support young people and adults across the North-West and have recently transitioned their workforce to online systems to enable them to continue offering services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Mairi, what made you choose to hire a Digital Support Technician Apprentice? Our work as a charity is to offer opportunities to young people and adults, in Salford and all over the North-West. We as an organisation, like most other organisations, have been on a journey over the last 18 months from a digital perspective. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had to introduce new IT systems very quickly and migrate all our infrastructure to Microsoft 365. However, this comes with a need for extra support for our staff. We made the investment into new types of technology, but didn’t necessarily have the expertise within our charity to be able to develop and support staff with these technologies. The Digital Support Technician apprenticeship route was perfect as it has allowed us to bring somebody into the organisation to learn those skills with us and improve the way we work. Azeem is already doing a great job! How has the demand in your business changed digitally and how is Azeem’s role going to change that? It has changed enormously. Before the pandemic, we had five laptops in the organisation and 50 members of staff. Within a matter of days after the national lockdown was announced, we had to acquire enough equipment to be able to continue our services digitally. The work we do is vital - we provide services to a wide range of people in our schools and communities, from education, training and wellbeing services to supporting young people and adults affected by domestic abuse and other challenges - and all that work used to be face-to-face, which stopped immediately. It didn’t take us long to realise that what we needed for the organisation was a digital transformation, and this apprenticeship is in response to that. What skills has Azeem developed that is going to help him succeed in his role? A large part of the skills that Azeem has been developing is support for our staff; showing them how to collaborate online and use all the different functions of our new infrastructure more effectively. The more Azeem works with us, the more we realise the scope of what he is able to support us with, such as our telephone systems. In addition, Azeem will be developing skills related to data security - data protection is really important for the work we are involved in. He will also develop softer skills as well such as people skills, managing workload and working in an office environment. What support did the College provide you with in order to provide Salford Foundation with a suitable match for the Digital Support role? They were fabulous! We work with the College very closely already on other projects such as Build Salford, so we already have a great relationship with them. Louise Jones, Apprenticeship Employer Services Leader was amazing and even supported us with a levy transfer process. Mark Nuttall and his team at 20
Mairi Palmer and Azeem Khan
McDonald’s in Salford and Trafford, have supported our work for many years and they were kind enough to fund the training costs of Azeem’s apprenticeship using some of their unspent levy. We worked closely with the College Recruitment Team to manage the applicants, arrange interviews and shortlist the candidates. How did you design the job role to match the apprenticeship standard? We went through this in a lot of detail with the Recruitment Team; there are different pathways within the Digital Support standard, so we spoke to the College about what our needs were and what the specification was, and they helped us design Azeem’s job description before we went out to advert. Azeem, what was your background and prior experience before starting this role? I achieved A grades at a Sixth Form College, from there I attended University for around a month, but I didn’t enjoy it so decided to get straight into work. I was self-employed for a short while before transitioning into this apprenticeship. What made you want to do an apprenticeship? I chose an apprenticeship because I figured I’d get the best of both worlds. I get to train with the company and the College and at the same time get paid, so for me it was a matter of getting the relevant experience and a qualification alongside being paid – for me, I think this is the best starting point to help propel me into a career within the IT industry. What are you hoping to achieve? I hope to pass the apprenticeship, hopefully with a distinction. Completing this apprenticeship alongside Salford Foundation, will enable me to gain the right skills and experience to be able to progress my career to the next level. If you would like to find out more about the Digital Apprenticeship standard, contact the apprenticeship team today on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Chatsworth Multi-Academy Trust Praise Long-Standing Relationship with Apprenticeships at Salford City College
Rhia-Adams Worthington, Apprentice at Chatsworth Multi-Academy Trust
The Chatsworth Multi-Academy Trust was established to bring together high quality provision, professionals and practitioners in the Greater Manchester area in order to maximise the quality of education, care and opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The trust aims to provide an integrated and continuous pathway for the learning and development of children and young people from 0 – 25 years which is inclusive and aspirational. Throughout the Trust, individuals are valued for themselves, challenged to achieve excellence in everything they do and share a bond of mutual respect for others and the environment in which they learn. Chatsworth Trust is a safe, open and progressive learning community in which all children and young people are at the heart of everything they do as they strive with energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment to achieve excellence together. Tracey Holmes, Engagement Manager at Chatsworth, said: “We have an excellent staff retention rate across our Trust and offer opportunities for our staff to progress. This offer has been enhanced over many years by the work that we do with Apprenticeships at Salford City College. We have over 34 staff who have completed courses through the College and who have gone on to further their career within the Trust. “Over 75% of staff that have completed an apprenticeship with us have progressed within our Trust to TA3’s, higher-level Teaching 22
Assistants and fully-qualified Teachers. Our school environment is very different from mainstream schools and colleges and staff require a certain skill set in order to carry out their role. “We have worked closely with the same Assessors from Apprenticeships at Salford City College for over ten years, and they have been instrumental in supporting our apprentices to achieve their goals. The Assessors have an excellent working knowledge of our Trust and of what is required when working with young people with complex needs, this enables them to offer bespoke support, advice and guidance to our apprentices.” Tracey also sought funding support from the Salford Skills for Business Apprenticeship Fund. The fund, set-up by partners at Salford City Council, Apprenticeships at Salford City College and a range of employers across the City, was set-up to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the cost of apprenticeships. To date, the fund is not far off half a million pounds thanks to its partners at the Council and College, Bupa, Kingsland Drinks, Salford CCG, Salix Homes, Seddon, University of Salford, dock10, Sodexo, Morson Group and Compass Apprenticeships. Over the past year the fund has supported 24 organisations and 34 individuals to undertake an apprenticeship. Tracey said “The support from the Salford Skills for Business Apprenticeship Fund has been instrumental in our Trust reaching the aims and objectives set out in our school development plan and in developing and retaining our workforce.”
BECOME A
DATA SUPPORT APPRENTICE AND TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS UP THE CAREER LADDER Greater Manchester contains over 8,000 digital businesses, employing over 82,000 workers and contributing an estimated £5 billion to the UK economy. - Digital Manchester
A CAREER IN DATA SUPPORT This occupation is found in all sectors where data is generated or processed including but not limited to finance, retail, education, health, media, manufacturing and hospitality. The broad purpose of the occupation is to source, format and present data securely in a relevant way for analysis using basic methods, to communicate outcomes appropriate to the audience, analyse structured and unstructured data to support business outcomes, blend data from multiple sources as directed and apply legal and ethical principles when manipulating data.
SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN: • • •
How to access and extract data from a range of already identified sources
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Data Analyst
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Data Scientist
How to collate and format data in line with industry standards
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Data Engineer
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Technical Advisor
Management and presentation tools to visualise and review the characteristics of data
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IT Project Manager
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Business Intelligence Developer
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Data Quality Officer
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Communication tools and technologies for collaborative working
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Communication methods, formats and techniques, including: written, verbal, nonverbal, presentation, email, conversation, audience and active listening
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How to undertake blending of data from multiple sources
To find out more, contact the Apprenticeship Team on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk. 24
CAREERS PATHWAYS INCLUDE:
WHICH SECTOR? APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE
Building Services Engineering
Accounts/Finance Assistant
Building Services Engineering Craftsperson
Assistant Accountant
Building Services Engineering Design Technician
Assessor Coach
Building Services Engineering Service & Maintenance Engineer
Associate Project Manager
Building Services Engineering Technician
Customer Service Practitioner
Electrical Installation
Customer Service Specialist
Gas Engineer Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Construction Craft Bricklayer Carpentry & Joinery Carpentry & Joinery (Advanced) Groundworker Painter & Decorator Plasterer
Business Administrator
Digital Support Technician Data Technician Financial Services Risk Officer HR Support Information Communications Technician Marketing Executive Operations Departmental Manager Professional Taxation/Accountant Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Sales Executive School Business Professional
Professional Construction Civil Engineering Technician
Senior Financial Services Customer Advisor Team Leader/Supervisor
Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Construction Site Engineering Technician Construction Site Supervisor APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE Adult Care Worker Lead Adult Care Worker Leader in Adult Care APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE
Lead Practitioner in Adult Care
Advanced & Creative Hair Professional Beauty Therapist Commis Chef Hair Professional Hospitality Manager Hospitality Supervisor Hospitality Team Member Production Chef Senior Production Chef
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE Children, Young People & Families Manager Children, Young People & Families Practitioner Early Years Educator Early Years Practitioner Early Years Lead Practitioner Teaching Assistant Learning & Development Practitioner
TO FIND OUT MORE, CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY ON 0161 631 5555
/SCCapprenticeships
@SCCapprenticeships
@SCC_apprentices
@
apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
0161 631 5555
salfordcc.ac.uk/ apprenticeshipssalford-city-college