APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE Frontier House Merchants Quay Salford Quays M50 3SR 0161 631 5555 apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk www.salfordcc.ac.uk Editor-in-chief Allan Milne Features Editor Jess Watts Art Direction Tom Davidson Guest Contributors Roy Cavanagh MBE Mandy Shepherd
CONTENTS
spring 2020
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK SPECIAL
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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 advice on the world of apprenticeships and his involvement in the Champions Group.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? In 2009, the college launched their apprenticeship business, supporting ten apprentices with business administration skills. Ten years later, we caught up with two of those apprentices.
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LEADING THE WAY: DEVELOPING EXPERT PRACTITIONERS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY The apprenticeship team at Salford City College are leading the way with a new apprenticeship standard in the care services sector. “WE BUILT THIS CITY” We met up with an employer who has been involved with some of Salford and Manchester’s largest building developments. Over the past few years, Cara Brickwork have welcomed apprentices from Salford City College onto sites across the North West. LAUREN BUILDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION In 2018, it was reported that only 12.8% of employees in the construction industry workforce were women. Whilst this is an improvement to the numbers 30 years ago, there is still a long way to go to improve these figures. LOOK BEYOND Look beyond the traditional routes to employment with an apprenticeship with Salford City College
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THE APPRENTICESHIP CHAMPIONS GROUP RETURNS WITH A NEW FOCUS The Apprenticeships Champions Group originally formed in 2016 with the main aim of promoting apprenticeships across the city. Key employers representing a variety of sectors came together to act as ambassadors for Apprenticeships at Salford City College.
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WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS REALLY THINK? Collecting, analysing and responding to feedback from apprentices and employers is therefore more important than ever before. See some statistics from our 2019 survey.
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#LEADINGSALFORD SPRINGBOARD PROGRAMME In partnership with Apprenticeships at Salford City College and The University of Salford, Salford City Council have launched a bespoke initiative designed specifically for existing managers.
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A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Helen Sargeant is crowned Delivery Staff Colleague of the year for 2019.
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MANDY’S MESSAGE Looking forward: Apprenticeship expert Mandy Shepherd looks ahead to National Apprenticeship week and our Apprenticeship Awards.
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BECOME A FINANCIAL SERVICES APPRENTICE This sector covers a wide range of amazing careers and opportunities. Outside of London, the North West is seen as the leading area in the UK for financial services.
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Welcome to the National Apprenticeship Week 2020 edition of Achieve. There is no better time to celebrate all that is brilliant about apprenticeships than National Apprenticeship Week. The national theme for the week is Look Beyond, with providers like us encouraged to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England. The theme ‘Look Beyond’ resonates particularly with Apprenticeships at Salford City College, as we celebrate what is our tenth year of delivering apprenticeship programmes to local people and businesses. Launched in 2009 with a cohort of ten apprentices, the provision has since grown remarkably with over 1,500 apprentices supported in the last academic year. Over the last ten years, Apprenticeships at Salford City Collage have supported over 1,000 businesses and over 5,000 apprentices. We were delighted to invite two of our first apprentices, Courtney Winstanley and Ashley Gatto, to help us celebrate this exciting ten year milestone. Proudly appearing on the front cover of this edition (and on pages 4-5), both Courtney, now a team leader at Aldi and Ashley, a Digital & Assistive Technology Leader at Eccles Sixth Form College, both hail their apprenticeship as having had a huge impact on their careers. Amongst a hive of activity and events to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the flagship event is our annual Apprenticeship Awards. The awards this year will see over 15 businesses and 40 apprentices recognised for their excellence. Once again, the nominations
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this year have exceeded expectations, with some amazingly talented apprentices being recognised for their determination and dedication to succeed. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the apprentice of the year 2020, which will be a great accolade for the winner. In reality, every apprentice who successfully completes their apprenticeship are winners. It is vital we continue to deliver apprenticeship programmes that develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required by employers. Our recent stakeholder survey once again highlighted high levels of satisfaction from both apprentices and employers. Many of the apprentices stated they were delighted that they are developing skills that will enhance their future career prospects. Equally, our employers expressed their delight that our training meets the needs of their organisation. Both feedback reports also give brilliant feedback on the quality of our staff. We are very fortunate to have some of the best apprenticeship practitioners in our team, working tirelessly to support their apprentices and employers. To have this recognised by stakeholders is a credit to them all.
DEBBIE WARD
ALLAN MILNE
KAREN KENNY
Head of Employer Engagement & Resources
Head of Apprenticeship & Business Development
Head of Apprenticeship Delivery
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CAV’S COLUMN “A champion of training for young people.”
ROY CAVANAGH MBE
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.
INCREASING APPRENTICESHIP NUMBERS IN SALFORD When you look back at the fantastic progress Apprenticeships at Salford City College have made over the past ten years it is remarkable. Starting with 10 apprentices, to now, nearly 1,500, it shows what can be done if you put thought, desire and determination into something. There is significant funding available for companies to take on apprentices and get them qualified. If, for some reason, you are unaware of grants and levies, please contact Apprenticeships at Salford City College. Through their advisors you can find out how your company could afford to give a young person that first step on the ladder of an apprenticeship.
CHAMPIONS GROUP Last October the college reformed their ‘Champions Group’. The group comprises of leading companies and organisations in different trades and occupations who come together and discuss apprenticeship developments. I was very proud to be asked to continue as the Independent Chair of this group. Louise Jones, Senior Apprenticeship Levy Consultant, and the rest of the apprenticeship team have implemented even more innovative ways of making the group work together as a partnership. These sorts of frank and thoughtful discussions, can only help everyone improve the already fantastic delivery provided by the college. If your company wants to join these meetings then please contact the apprenticeship team.
INNOVATIVE IDEAS FROM THE COLLEGE TO HELP SENIOR MANAGEMENT There is more and more emphasis now on upskilling existing employees, as well as taking on apprentices. Seddon, along with Apprenticeships at Salford City College, wanted a Project Manager programme to suit their needs and those of their selected employees. The course supports their personal and professional development within the business. The course covers areas such as teamwork, communications, leadership and quality management as well as enabling candidates to become members of the Association of Project Management (APM), which is a nationally recognised. The skills learned by Seddon employees have been already been noticed by people who work alongside them and a lot of this is down to the hands-on approach offered by the college. To date 40 employees have been on the course and the cohorts are exceeding the national success rate. And finally, it’s always nice to reflect on the past, but even better to look forward to the future. The last decade shows how much can really be achieved. I am personally looking forward to the next decade and seeing all that comes from Apprenticeships at Salford City College.
ROY CAVANAGH MBE 3
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V The first cohort ten years ago
Ashley Courtney 4
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here arethey now
In 2009, the college launched their apprenticeship provision, supporting ten apprentices with business administration skills. In the decade since, quality and growth have gone hand in hand, with over 1,500 apprentices supported by the team in the last academic year. Ten years later, we caught up with two of those apprentices. Courtney Winstanley and Ashley Gatto, both started out in the first cohort of apprentices ten years ago. A decade on, their lives have taken them on separate journeys, but they still both pay credit to their apprenticeship. When Courtney finished school at the age of 16 with a selection of high GCSE grades, she felt that the A-level to university route was the one she had to take. However, from her first day, she knew something wasn’t right. She explained: “On my first day of sixth form I was in my lesson and I remember thinking ‘What am I doing here? I don’t want to be a doctor. I don’t want to be a lawyer. I just want to work’.”
She continued: “I just knew that I wouldn’t need a degree to do what I wanted to do, so I would just be wasting time if I were to go down that pathway.” Upon researching possible alternatives, Courtney decided that an apprenticeship in Business Administration was the way forward. Courtney states: “When I said business administration people tended to roll their eyes and think all you do is scan and photocopy. But it’s so much more than that. It was how to structure
documents, how to research and many other skills. If I hadn’t have done all that and gone on more of a traditional route, I think that personally, I wouldn’t have hit the ground running as fast I did. I don’t think that I would have been in a management position by now.”
Whilst completing her apprenticeship, she worked within both the HR department and the apprenticeship recruitment team at the college group headquarters. Courtney added: “When I worked at the college as part of the apprenticeship team, I actually helped recruit apprentices. So, at that moment in time it was as if I had actually come full circle, it was really rewarding.” After completing both her level 2 and level 3 she continued working in HR, moving to the Aldi’s HR Academy five years ago. Explaining her progression through Aldi, Courtney said: “I started as a HR Assistant, then was promoted to a HR IT Analyst. It wasn’t until the summer of 2019 when I was promoted to a HR Team Leader in the Recruitment Team.” In her role at Aldi, Courtney manages a team whilst looking after all recruitment across the UK for Store Managers, Logistic Management and Head Office roles. This is the first time Courtney has worked in a management role, and she cited that many of the key principles she learnt from the apprenticeship ten years ago have helped her. Explaining her role, Courtney explained: “A lot of my job is focused on recruitment and candidate screening and reviewing video interviews for the recruitment that take place. I work closely with our hiring managers on best practice recruitment.” Ashley Gatto started off on the same apprenticeship as Courtney ten years ago, however, he continued his journey working with the college. Starting off by working in reprographics and on receptions across the college, Ashley then progressed to a full-time position in student services. He continued: “I’ve recently been appointed as a Digital Learning and Assistive Technology Leader. I now deal with all the assistive technology over the five colleges in Salford. In my role, I work with students with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia alongside supervising the smooth running of the Digital Learning Zone.”
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Over the last ten years, apprenticeship numbers have increased massively. However, there is still more to be done. Raising the profile of apprenticeships is a matter at the forefront of Ashley’s job. He explained: “I help so many students everyday who struggle with their UCAS applications. They often ask me, ‘Which university did you go to?’ and when I tell them I didn’t go, they are shocked.” “There is often a perception that you can only work in education if you have a degree and so when I say ‘I did an apprenticeship’, it sparks an interest.” With such a variety of apprenticeships on offer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go to university. There are now apprenticeships that embed degrees within them. Over the last few years, Courtney has completed her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) level 5 and level 7. Through completing her level 3 apprenticeship, she was able to progress and gain a qualification which is the equivalent of doing a Master’s Degree. Courtney explained: “I just think that apprenticeships are a really good way to get qualifications and if you already know that you don’t want to be a doctor, and you don’t necessarily need the traditional university route for the job you are after, then it’s worth pursuing. There are so many degree level apprenticeships now that are amazing.” In 2017, the apprenticeship levy was first introduced with the aim of creating and funding three million apprenticeship starts by 2020 nationally. “Because the levy is pretty much the focus of all employers’ strategies at the minute, there’s so much available right now. It’s not just business administration, construction or beauty, it’s so varied.” Becoming an apprentice has a variety of benefits and will allow an individual to explore different areas of working. Explaining the pros of apprenticeships, Ashley said: “I would advise anyone to do an apprenticeship because it’s such a hands-on experience. Through my apprenticeship, I’ve worked in many different departments and I have learnt a lot.” If you would like to become an apprentice, contact the team to find out more on: 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Making it happen: From left to right: Lisa Littlemore & Karen Jones, Trainer Assessors for Childcare; Susan Hilton, Delivery Leader for Childcare & Health & Social Care; Aaron Bradbury and Harprit Kaur (University College Birmingham); Jane Nickisson, Head of Higher Education Quality; Karen Kenny, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery; Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeship & Business Development
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Leading
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THE WAY
Developing expert practitioners to support children, young people and families in the community Apprenticeships at Salford City College are leading the way with the launch of a new apprenticeship standard in the care services sector.
“THE STATUTORY, MORAL AND SOCIAL PRESSURES HAVE NEVER BEEN GREATER.”
The level 4 higher apprenticeship programme, Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Community Pathway) is brand new to the apprenticeship sector, designed and developed by a large range of different organisations across the UK, from local authorities, support agencies and hospital trusts.
Sue Hilton, Apprenticeship Delivery Leader for Health and Social Care & Child Care, is delighted with the emergence of the partnership and the support received. Sue explained: “Aaron and his colleagues from UCB have been brilliant so far in helping us prepare for the delivery of this fantastic new apprenticeship programme.”
Uniquely the apprenticeship standard includes a mandatory Certificate in Higher Education in Working with Children, Young People and families. Only a very select number of higher education institutions across the UK can award the certificate, and Apprenticeships at Salford City College are delighted to have been successfully validated by the University College Birmingham (UCB) to be able to deliver the certificate under their approval.
“The statutory, moral and social pressures have never been greater on the childcare practitioner profession. The challenges the sector face daily in ensuring the best possible levels of welfare and care for children and young people are significant. This apprenticeship will go a long way in shaping and developing talent in the sector to ensure we provide the best levels of care and protection.”
Aaron Bradbury, a senior member of the curriculum in the School of Education, Health and Community at University College Birmingham facilitated the development of the partnership.
Delivery of the apprenticeship programme commences in February 2020. A number of further cohorts are planned to start across the calendar year. Contact us for more information.
The development of this programme at level four affords real skills and knowledge development, with an emphasis on the current and future challenges within the sector. Content is varied and includes: • Developing Academic Skills • Contemporary Social Issues within Family Systems • • Building Relationships for Child Centred Practice • • Developmental Needs of Children and Young People • Making Difficult Decisions • Mentoring in Practice • • Multi agency Working • Safeguarding Children and Young People • The Voice of the Child • • Working with Systems and Policies for Person Centred Practice • • Professional judgements when working with Children, Young People and Families •
For more information please call 0161 631 5555 Or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk 7
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
'' WE BUILT THIS CITY’ ’
We met up with an employer who has been involved in building some of Salford and Manchester’s largest developments. Over the past few years, Cara Brickwork have welcomed apprentices from Salford City College onto sites across the North West and after recently joining our Apprenticeship Champions Group, we wanted to know how and why apprenticeships work so well for them. As two former apprentices themselves, Joey and Neil Allen have built a company with almost 140 employees. Nurturing and developing talent is one of their key aims. Through the partnership with Apprenticeships at Salford City College, new talent is always in the pipeline. Brothers Joey and Neil followed in the footsteps of their father and both became bricklaying apprentices many years ago. Joey explained, “We worked for our dad as apprentice bricklayers and then worked through the different roles until we became Supervisor/Site Managers at Keith Walton Brickwork for 11 years. In this time the industry grew and so did we.” 8
After 11 years, Joey was approached with the prospect of starting up a business and now 17 years later Cara Brickwork is a well-established business across the North West and UK. With Joey Allen as Managing Director and Neil Allen as Contracts Director the brothers have their own story to tell to those new to the industry. Neil explained how over the past few years, the industry has been experiencing a severe shortage of bricklayers and at times has struggled to find the talent. This then guided them to the apprenticeship route and who better to encourage it but the directors themselves.
It has been reported that the skills shortage is ultimately down to the aging construction workforce. With over 20% of tradespeople being over 50 and 15% over 60, there is growing concern that an issue will arise when they all come to retire.
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CARA CASE STUDY
At Cara they are trying to combat this growing statistic by bringing in fresh new talent. Site Manager, Mike McGloin, said: “As a whole, we are facing a skills shortage in the industry. If we train people with our teams, then hopefully they will stay and continue working with us. Over the years, the people who have come through the apprentice route are some of our most dedicated and successful workers.” He continued: “We support apprentices because everyone deserves a chance and we are trying to build the future. It’s increasingly difficult to find good tradespeople and so we need to create and train our own.” Mike has recently welcomed six new apprentices onto the Galliford Try site in Brunswick, some from traineeships, some not in education, employment or training (NEET) and some who have just left school. Contracts Manager, Mark Greenhalgh, stated: “The trust we have in the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team at Salford City College is fantastic. We will make an opportunity wherever possible for an apprentice when we can. The recruitment team understand our vision and it works for us. We need people that want to learn and progress in the industry.” For many, apprenticeships are the way forward the chance to learn whilst working. Neil explained: “Apprenticeships allow people who may be unsure in what direction or pathway they want to take to make up their mind and learn different skills. For example, someone could start off on a bricklaying apprenticeship but then decide they want to go into management. So, it’s a stepping stone into future avenues.” Looking into the future of apprenticeships and the aging construction workforce, Joey added: “Apprenticeships are the best way to get into the industry. But I think we need to branch out by getting young people work experience so they can start early. This year we intend to work closely with the apprenticeship team to target colleges and schools then maybe we can help those people who are unsure of what they want to do.” Cara have a strong ethos on giving back to the community by giving local people a chance. Through working with Apprenticeships at Salford City College, the team are able to gain some of the best local apprentices the city has to offer. Joey claimed: “Working with local people is a huge benefit for us because we are giving back to our community. Our close partnership with the college allows us to do this, grow our business and get young apprentices from the area onto the sites surrounding them.” He added: “Over the years we have had around 40-50 apprentices, with many of them gaining employment with us upon successful completion of their apprenticeship.” As the team at Cara grows, so will their need for apprentices. With a constant flow of candidates entering the system, the team at Cara make sure that their apprentices fit in with their ethos. Joey explained: “When we’re looking for people we look for the willingness to learn and their enthusiasm. We want people who are proud of what they produce and who want to progress like we do.”
MARK & AARON One apprentice who has recently joined the team is Aaron. He started out on a week’s placement with the company and was offered the position within a few days. Mike explained: “We were so impressed with Aaron and his determination and commitment to the job that we knew he’d be a great addition to the team. We’re really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Aaron.” Aaron, 17 from Salford, came to the apprenticeship team wanting to enter the world of construction. After some careers advice with the team, he was offered a trial with Cara. Aaron said: “I always knew that construction was something that I wanted to go into, but I wasn’t sure what area. With the help of the advisors I managed to secure this career, Cara are fantastic to work for, the team on site really look after me.” “Since being here, I’ve loved every minute, I am so happy to have been offered an apprenticeship with Cara Brickwork.” Also employed at Cara is Myles, who was recruited in 2019 following on from the Build Salford Traineeship. Myles told us: “Cara are fantastic, I have every faith they will give me the career I am eager for!” Myles has also been nominated by his managers for an award at the Apprenticeships at Salford City College Annual Awards 2020.
If you want to enter the world of construction apprenticeships, then contact the Apprenticeships team on: 0161 631 5555 apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk 9
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Lauren builds a brighter future
for women in construction In 2018, it was reported that women only represent 12.8% of employees in the construction workforce. This is a vast change to the numbers 30 years ago, but there is still a way to go in turning this around.
An apprentice who is challenging these statistics is Lauren, a brickwork apprentice. Despite only being 20 years old, Lauren has been working in the industry for four years. After leaving school at the age of 16, she knew full time education wasn’t the pathway for her. She explained: “My step dad was in construction, and so my love for it started there. “When I was a lot younger I used to go out in the garden and help him lay the decking and do odd jobs like that. From there on, I really enjoyed it! I guess, I always knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue.” For female apprentices like Lauren, times are changing. Often a misconception of the construction industry is that it’s a male dominated world consumed by ‘lad culture’. Thankfully, Lauren’s journey with Cara Brickwork has proven this idea wrong. Lauren admitted: “In the past I have had people say ‘oh you can’t do that’ or ‘you shouldn’t be here’, but I always prove them wrong. “Thankfully nothing like that has ever happened at Cara Brickwork. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and I think I’ve given the boys a run for their money.” At Cara, Lauren works in a team among other apprentices and former apprentices. She explained: “I work in a team with three other guys who used to be 10
apprentices. It’s great learning from them and they really understand me and the way I learn. I think it’s so important being in a team where everyone supports each other. It means that the job gets done quickly and to a good standard.” The future for Lauren and other female apprentices is bright. With more and more women entering the industry, there is bound to be change. Speaking about her future goals, Lauren said: “In the future I want to be self-employed. So, I want to work my way up and then create my own business.” If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Lauren and start an apprenticeship, then contact the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team on: 0161 631 5555 apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
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LOOK BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL ROUTES TO EMPLOYMENT WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE OVER
VALUABLE EMPLOYER PARTNERS Spanning a wide number of sectors, our employer clients are crucial to developing our apprenticeship offer and helping people into exciting apprenticeship opportunities. Over the past decade, we have helped over 1,000 employers develop apprentices in their workplace.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS Apprenticeships at Salford City College have over 60 dedicated team members to help candidates from the beginning to the end of their apprenticeships. Comprised of recruitment specialists, trainer assessors, delivery experts and pastoral support advisors, there is always someone on-hand for apprentices throughout their journey.
OVER
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES Apprenticeships at Salford City College offer 82 apprenticeship programmes. Designed in conjunction with employers, with a focus on key skills that need to be learned by the end of the course, our programmes are great for apprentices who want to go into a specific job role.
TALENTED APPRENTICES Over 5,000 apprentices have been supported by Apprenticeships at Salford City College with their future careers.
YEARS OF BRILLIANT APPRENTICESHIP PROVISION We have been one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the North West for ten years. From our first cohort of ten apprentices, to now having had over 5,000 apprentices on programme, we have been advocates of apprenticeship success since day one. 11
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THE APPRENTICESHIP CHAMPIONS GROUP RETURNS WITH A NEW FOCUS The Apprenticeship Champions Group was originally formed in 2016 with the main aim of promoting apprenticeships across the city. Key employers representing a variety of sectors came together to act as ambassadors for Apprenticeships at Salford City College. Building upon the close links that they previously established, they are re-launching with a new focus. With the help of select businesses, the group aims to ensure that the apprenticeship provision meets all local and national requirements.They also aim to deliver excellent apprenticeships and training opportunities for employers and learners across the borough.
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SPRING 2020 Select employers, such as the ones mentioned below, attended the first meeting at the relaunch to provide invaluable feedback. Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeship and Business Development, chaired the first Apprenticeship Champions Group meeting.
JOEY ALLEN Managing Director CARA Brickwork
Allan said: “The Apprenticeship Champions group is a key element of our apprenticeship quality strategy. It is essential that we are delivering programmes that meet the needs of our employer clients and wider industries. The champions provide us with valuable and current information on their sectors. “The passion and support we get from the champions is really insightful.”
FRANK O’SULLIVAN Strategic HR & Organisational Development Manager Salford City Council
Joey Allen, the managing director at CARA Brickwork explained: “I am a firm believer that we should be going into schools and attracting students to apprenticeships when they are 14/15 years old. If we do that, then we can show them that there is a different pathway other than university.”
MELANIE O’CONNOR Head of HR, Organisational Development & Training Aspire
One of the key members of The Apprenticeships Champions Group is Frank O’Sullivan, Strategic HR & Organisational Development Manager at Salford City Council. When asked about how this scheme will benefit Salford, Frank said: “Developing a skilled, flexible and resilient workforce able to achieve our ambition of ‘A Better and Fairer Salford’, can only be achieved if we invest in skills and professional development and we continue to attract and retain the best talent.” Upon finishing school at the age of 16, many school leavers are faced with a hard decision. The traditional route of university, is often instilled into many school leavers. However, apprenticeships are an alternative route that propel school leavers into the working world.
For organisations like Aspire, an adult support service provider, apprenticeships represent a good way of training individuals in preparation for entering the workplace. Head of HR, Organisational Development and Training at Aspire, Melanie O’Connor said: “Groups like this gives us the opportunity to feedback, influence and drive the necessary improvements.” She added:“If we are part of this discussion and the conversation that says ‘how can we develop the frameworks?’, ‘how can we develop the content?’ and ‘how can we develop all these areas?’, then that can only be a good thing. Having influence and input into the delivery will be incredibly beneficial to everyone involved.”
If you would like to find out more about The Apprenticeship Champions Group, then contact Apprenticeships at Salford City College on 0161 631 5555 or email us at apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk 13
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WHAT OUR EMPLOYERS & APPRENTICES
REALLY THINK?
With the introduction of the apprenticeship reforms in May 2017, new funding, digital accounts, new apprenticeship standards and 20% off the job training were all introduced to ensure apprenticeship programmes were better than ever, with more involvement and awareness for all stakeholders. Collecting, analysing and responding to feedback from apprentices and employers is therefore more important than ever before. Apprentices want to make sure their programme is the right fit for their career aspirations and employers want the best apprentices who are motivated and inspired to succeed in their business. The surveys are carried out annually by the government department the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
APPRENTICE FEEDBACK 2019: BETTER THAN EVER ALL APPRENTICES WERE ASKED THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN OUR LATEST APPRENTICE SURVEY, WITH THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE RATING BEING 10.
SATISFACTION WITH THE LEVEL OF EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE DISPLAYED BY OUR STAFF WHO SUPPORT YOU WITH YOUR APPRENTICESHIP:
SCORE:
9.56 SATISFACTION THAT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IS ENABLING YOU TO ACQUIRE THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURS THAT WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR FUTURE CAREER:
SCORE:
9.32 14
SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY OF TRAINING PROVIDED TO YOU WITHIN YOUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME:
SCORE:
9.33
SATISFACTION WITH APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE:
SCORE:
9.39
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EMPLOYERS TRUST US TO GET IT RIGHT FOR THEIR APPRENTICES Without our brilliant employers willing to invest time, resources and finances into the development of apprentices, the apprenticeship sector would not exist. They play a vital role and we are very proud to work with over 450 different employers at any one time. All of our staff take great pride in going that extra mile for the employers we work with, and that is clearly appreciated and recognised in the feedback below.
OVERALL QUALITY OF TRAINING PROVIDED BY APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE:
THE PROFESSIONALISM OF STAFF DELIVERING TRAINING AND/OR ASSESSMENT AT APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE:
SCORE:
SCORE:
9.18
9.22 LIKELIHOOD OF RECOMMENDING US AS A TRAINING PROVIDER:
SCORE:
9.30 DELIVERING TRAINING THAT REFLECTS UP TO DATE PRACTICES IN YOUR INDUSTRY/SECTOR:
SCORE:
9.09
OFFERING TRAINING AND /OR ASSESSMENT IN A FLEXIBLE WAY TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
SCORE:
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In partnership with Apprenticeships at Salford City College and The University of Salford, Salford City Council have launched The #LeadingSalford Springboard programme. The bespoke initiative is designed specifically for existing managers with high potential to further develop their strategic leadership capabilities. Throughout the apprenticeship programme, participants will access a unique mix of engaging content, intensive support and leadership skills development for the next step in their careers. There will be the opportunity to grow as a strategic leadership group through structured learning, debate, sharing of best practice and discussions. The Springboard 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. Salford Council’s Strategic HR and OD Manager, Frank O’Sullivan, explained: “Our vision is for a better and fairer Salford for everyone. This presents both challenges and opportunities. We have the opportunity to develop different relationships between public services and our communities in finding new and better ways to deliver services.” Through a ‘learning in practice’ approach, participants are able to drive forward key projects within their current roles and also get the opportunity as a group to address a city challenge set by the initiative’s corporate management team (CMT). Frank added: “To ensure that we are in a position to respond to the ever-changing environment, we need strong, values-based leadership.” “Values-based leadership is about inspiring and motivating others to achieve high performance, whilst creating a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and developed to do the very best job they can.” The initiative aims to demonstrate the spirit of Salford in everything that they do through embedding their values into the services that the teams deliver. The fundamental idea behind Springboard is creating a positive culture where innovation can begin to take place. Many
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industries are changing and businesses are looking at new ways to evolve. Frank explained: “What leaders do and how they behave is instrumental in developing a positive culture where all our employees are empowered to develop new ways of doing things.” “These behaviours and this programme enables our leaders to further develop the values-based leadership skills and ways of working required to be successful in leading our organisation and shaping our city.”
“Leadership is action, not a position.” Participants who take part in the programme will benefit from a tailored individual development plan, resulting in receiving either a departmental manager qualification, or a senior leader master’s degree/MBA. The level of qualification will depend on previous qualifications, experience to date, job role and opportunity for job stretch. By completing the programme, participants will not only gain a recognised leadership qualification but they will develop their strategic leadership capabilities. For more information contact Apprenticeships at Salford City College on: 0161 631 5555 apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk
SPRING 2020
A Recipe For Success
Helen Sargeant INGREDIENTS:
Apprenticeships at Salford City College Delivery Staff Colleague of the Year 2019 METHOD: 1 . We are extremely fortunate to employ some of the best apprenticeship practitioners, and every year celebrate the amazing work that our staff undertake. Every staff member is recognised, with a day of celebration and team fun, concluding in the annual staff awards.
2 . This year, Helen Sargent, Trainer Assessor in Hospitality & Catering, received the overall
award for Delivery Staff Colleague of the Year. Helen has worked in education for the last decade after spending over 20 years in the catering industry, running both her own catering business and also managing others. Andrew Hallsworth, Delivery Leader and Helen’s line manager, could not speak more highly of Helen. Andrew commented: “Helen is brilliant. She is passionate, extremely knowledgeable and the apprentices and employers she supports could not give her any more positive praise.”
3 . Living in her home town of Leek, Helen’s commitment to her role is superb. She takes immense pride in supporting apprentices to develop the skills they require to thrive in hospitality and catering sector. Helen has also used her experience and knowledge to deliver on education, management and customer service programmes. This appetite to help and support others is what makes Helen our winner of 2019.
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Mandy's Message LOOKING FORWARD Apprenticeship expert Mandy Shepherd looks ahead to National Apprenticeship week and the imminent Apprenticeship Awards. National Apprenticeship Week is a significant highlight in our calendar for a number of reasons. Firstly, we all love marking the occasion, to highlight all that is great about apprenticeships. With the ultimate event being our Annual Apprenticeship Awards. Secondly, it also marks a point in the academic calendar when many young people start to think about their future career. We speak to many year 11 students in the week who are only three or four months away from completing their secondary education. We also speak to large numbers of college based students who are coming to the end of their course and are making very important decisions about their future. We want to be able to provide the best possible advice and help them make decisions about their future. We are passionate about apprenticeships and we will always help young people make a decision that is right for them. It is clear this year that more and more students, teachers and parents are a lot more knowledgeable about apprenticeships and the benefits they offer. At any one time we have approximately 50 apprenticeship vacancies and during the summer months this can rise to over 100. The opportunities available in terms of job roles and employers are brilliant, covering a range or sectors. Our weekly jobs bulletin is circulated across the city, and the recruitment team are always on hand to provide advice and support about the recruitment process for each role. On a personal note, since I became an apprentice myself last year, I am even more passionate about helping people develop skills and careers though apprenticeship programmes. I am fortunate enough to be undertaking a team leader apprenticeship programme, developing and improving my skills, knowledge and behaviours as a leader in the apprenticeship team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop while in my role and I want as many people as possible to benefit from a similar experience.
If you would like to speak to myself or a member of the team, please do not hesitate to call us on 0161 631 5555 .
HERD MANDY SHEP ENT & BUSINESS UITM APPRENTICESHIP RECR LEADER DEVELOPMENT TEAM
T M E W
0161 631 5581 07540 672 476 cc.ac.uk mandy.shepherd@salford .uk c.ac rdc alfo w.s ww
HEAD OFFICE:
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SPRING 2020
DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A QUALIFIED PROJECT MANAGER?
“I HAVE CHOSEN TO DO A HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP SO I CAN BROADEN MY KNOWLEDGE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT, AND ENHANCE MY OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREER PROGRESSION IN THE FUTURE.” - SAM SMITH, PROJECT MANAGEMENT HIGHER APPRENTICE AT SEDDON
STUDY ON OUR ASSOCIATE PROJECT MANAGER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME COMMENCING APRIL 2020 CONTACT LOUISE JONES FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK ONTO THE COURSE
T: 0161 631 5828 E: louise.jones@salfordcc.ac.uk
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BECOME A
FINANCIAL SERVICES APPRENTICE AND TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS UP THE CAREER LADDER
This is the biggest sector in Greater Manchester, employing around 27,000 people, with another 95,000 jobs to be created over the next two decades.
A CAREER IN FINANCIAL SERVICES This broad sector covers a wide range of amazing careers and opportunities. Outside of London, Manchester is seen as the leading city in the UK for financial services. Many large firms are relocating to Salford and Manchester to benefit from the highly skilled and motivated workforces. Whatever pathway you wish to take, the skills you learn through an apprenticeship with us can be taken with you wherever you wish to go. Most apprentices in this sector are aligned to professional qualifications.
REQUIREMENTS
CAREERS INCLUDE
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Good teamwork
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Project Manager
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Good listener
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Accountant
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Passionate
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Marketing Officer
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Good organisation skills
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IT Application Specialist
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Quick learner
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Business Administrator
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Credit Controller
APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAYS | PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY | BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | | CREDIT CONTROLLER | COMPLIANCE/RISK OFFICER | | CUSTOMER SERVICE PRACTITIONER | DIGITAL MARKETING | | FINANCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR | IT APPLICATION SPECIALIST | | LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 20
WHICH SECTOR? APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE Carpentry & Joinery Decorative Finishes Plastering Trowel Occupations Building Services Engineering Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Gas Engineer Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician Professional Construction
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE Professional Accountancy Business Administration Credit Controller Compliance/Risk Officer Customer Service Practitioner Digital Marketing Financial Services Administrator IT Application Specialist Leadership & Management Project Management
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE Adult Care Worker Leader Adult Care Worker Clinical Healthcare Support Care Leadership & Management Healthcare Support Worker Senior Healthcare Support Worker
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE
Children & Young People’s Workforce
Retailer
Digital Learning Design Early Years Educator Learning and Development Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Residential Childcare
Retail Team Leader Retail Manager Commis Chef Hospitality Supervisor Hospitality Team Member Beauty Professional Hair Professional Hairdressing
TO FIND OUT MORE, CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY ON 0161 631 5555
/SCCapprenticeships
@SCCapprenticeships
@SCC_apprentices
@
apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
0161 631 5555
www.salfordcc.ac.uk
