NULC apprentices sweep the boards at awards celebration

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentices have won almost a quarter of all the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership Apprenticeship Recognition Awards.
Three NULC apprentices were recognised for their achievement in the run up to National Apprenticeships Week which started on 9th March. A total of 13 awards were presented at a ceremony in front of employers at the Kingston Centre in Stafford.
Dean Reddin, 22, of Caverswall who attended Rodbaston College, was nominated by his employer JCB. He is studying for a Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at NULC.
Dean has worked for JCB since August 2011 and has had 100% attendance and never been late for work in the last three and a half years. His performance was deemed outstanding as he'd made improvements to wire harnessing in one product which saved time and money, was a great JCB ambassador with customers and was trusted to write service help pages for a new model.
Kate Broome, Technical Excellence – Apprentice Advisor at JCB said: "Dean has always shown a great commitment to JCB Landpower and his apprenticeship. He continually puts in extra. He is an impressive role model to others in the team."
Mike Jones, 30, of Normacot was awarded a Level 3 certificate in Providing Financial Services at NULC. He has worked for Ageas Retail Partnerships of Trentham Lakes for eight years and has recently been appointed to a managerial role.
Said Mike's apprentice assessor Penny Bickley: "Mike has specifically helped with the retention of customers by offering first class service and leading the way with his approach. His product knowledge is second to none, aided by his ongoing endeavour to gain his insurance qualifications."
Mitchell Hill, 18, of Hanford, photographed above, who previously attended Trentham High School, works for Transairvac International of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Mitchell is studying for a Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering. His award nomination highlighted that he took responsibility for designing and fitting the racking for his company's new warehouse.
Said his tutor Colin Alaimo: "Mitchell works well in a team and can also be trusted to work on his own. He has also suggested different ways of doing some work processes which shows he's growing in confidence and becoming a good asset to his company."
Young people wanting to find out more about apprenticeships can visit the College's 12th March open day between 5:30 and 8pm and chat with leading employers about training, support and vacancies. To register in advance please go to: www.nulc.ac.uk/events.
Said NULC's head of employer training Vicky Boulton-Clarke: "The College has outstanding apprenticeship success rates, with results generally 10% higher than the  national average. I am delighted our apprentices - and effectively their far-sighted employers - have been recognised among the best in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent."
For further information on what NULC can do for business including recruitment, training and apprenticeships, please visit: www.nulc.ac.uk/nulc-for-business.

Apprentice awarded for Outstanding Contributions

A Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to his employer.

Harry Jones, aged 18 has been awarded an Apprenticeship Recognition Award by the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  Harry, who lives in the Westlands, is studying an NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support and is employed by Orbital Gas Systems Ltd. 

The former Clayton Hall Business and Languages College pupil, said: ““It is an honour to be nominated and to receive an award for my work at Orbital.”

Harry was nominated by Richard Law Director of Infrastructure for his support in assisting with the establishment of new business facilities and preparation for a recent industry audit.  Richard commented that “Harry has demonstrated a mature and tenacious approach to his employment over the past 12 months and is already establishing himself as a valuable employee”.
Harry started his Advanced Apprenticeship in September 2012 and has already completed two Electrical units and one fitting unit, as well as units in workplace personal learning and thinking skills and Employment Responsibilities and Rights.
Colin Alaimo, Lecturer/Assessor in Engineering at the College, said: “Harry completes all tasks on time and to a high standard with enthusiasm, showing he understands each departments’ role within the company and the procedures and processes needed for a successful business.”

Orbital is a specialist gas engineering company, delivering integrated instrumentation and engineered solutions to the gas utilities, industrial process and environmental industries.   The company have grown significantly from being a small specialist subcontractor, into one of the largest solution providers in the UK industrial gas market.
Harry is based at the company’s five acre Head Office in Staffordshire where Orbital’s team of engineers and project managers run a project in its entirety, from conception through detailed design and in house build, then on to site installation with commissioning and subsequent training of personnel.

Through studying an Advanced Apprenticeship Harry has the opportunity to work in all aspects of the business.  The Apprenticeship allows him to spend time in various departments where he can gain knowledge and experience of all the company’s procedures and products.

Orbital has been running an apprentice scheme for two years in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College with Harry being one of the first formal apprentices within the company.
Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, said: “I’m delighted that Harry has been recognised for his outstanding contributions during his apprenticeship.  Here at NULC we work with over 500 employers across Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire to provide quality and cost effective work-based training which benefits the local economy.  Harry is a shining example of how work-based training is a successful alternative to traditional academic study and can benefit both employers and their workforce.”

College apprentices have the X Factor

X Factor hair stylist Jamie Stevens showcased his work to local hairdressers in a bid to encourage apprenticeship recruitment.

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) organised the event which was free to local hairdressers interested in recruiting an apprentice.

The event was held at the College’s £60 million campus on Knutton Lane and featured hairdressing demonstrations by Jamie Stevens who was supported by current NULC apprentices; and colour work by Matrix.

Jamie Stevens is one of a selection of the UK’s top hairdressers working with the College throughout the year to demonstrate apprenticeship success stories to both potential apprentices and employers.

Phil Davies, Business Development Manager, at NULC said: “The event was a huge success, Jamie Stevens has a CV to die for and is a real inspiration to potential apprentices and employers.” 
Phil continued: “This event is the first of many featuring other top UK hairdressers that are free to employers interested in taking on an apprentice.”

NULC offers an Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, NVQ Level 2 in Barbering, Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy.

Any employers that are interested in attending forthcoming events should contact Phil Davies on 01782 254122 or email philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.

Over 60 employers pledge support in 50 days

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has reached day 50 of its campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days and so far a total of 64 employers have pledged their support.

Many employers have appointments pending with the College and further employers have expressed an interest in recruiting an Apprentice.

Local employers that have taken on an Apprentice include Cable Detection, Ceram, Gorgeous Gowns, Moorcroft Medical Centre, Eldon House and Hanley Economic Building Society. 

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC, said: “We’ve reached the halfway point of the campaign and we’ve had a really positive response from the local employers that we’ve engaged with.”

The College and partners launched the ambitious campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days on Friday 15 March.  The campaign, spearheaded by Newcastle Borough Council MP Paul Farrelly and backed by local training provider Martec, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will try and address youth unemployment issues locally.

Councillor Gareth Snell from Newcastle Borough Council said: “One of the main areas that we seek to address in our Economic Development Strategy is around worklessness and encouraging Apprenticeship.  This campaign goes someway to address those issues which really is fantastic news for the local area.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Apprenticeships campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100, email employers@nulc.ac.uk or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

Breaking the Apprenticeship mould

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is promoting Apprenticeships in different types of industries in a bid to try and break the mould of stereotypical Apprenticeships. 

Apprenticeships are traditionally offered in subject areas such as Engineering, Hairdressing and Brickwork but subjects including Creative Design, Pharmacy and Retail are becoming increasingly popular because of the shift in industry markets.

NULC offers Apprenticeships in over a dozen subject areas including Creative Design, Retail, Pharmacy, Sport and Management as well as more traditional subjects including Engineering, Brickwork and Hairdressing.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC said: “It’s important that employers are aware that Apprenticeships have moved with industry markets and most businesses regardless of their industry sector can benefit from an Apprentice.”

NULC engages with more than 400 businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who work with the College to provide Apprenticeships and recruitment services. 

The College launched the Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign on Friday 15 March and is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme in a bid to create 100 Apprentice opportunities in 100 days. 

The College aims to hit the target by recruiting both employers to provide Apprenticeship vacancies and young people to start an Apprenticeship.  The campaign will run until 22 June 2013.


If you would like further information about our Apprenticeships campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100.  If you’re interested in employing an Apprentice then please call 01782 254376 or email employers@nulc.ac.uk

College leads by example in Apprenticeship campaign

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) leads its Apprenticeship campaign by example by employing their own Apprentice.

Abbie Jackson aged 17 from Knutton has been taken on as an Apprentice in the College’s successful Academy of Sport department and is studying NVQ Level 2 in Sports and Sports Coaching.

Abbie will be working 4 days a week in the office helping to run the Academy of Sport programmes and providing logistical and administrative support.  Abbie is a keen sports person and plays for the College’s netball and basketball academies.

Abbie said: “I’m hoping to achieve my NVQ Level 2 in Sports and Sports Coaching and then progress onto NVQ Level 3.  My ambition is to become a sports coach and maybe go onto teach.”

NULC is in full support of Apprenticeships as a career path.  Abbie is the latest Apprentice of many to have been taken on by the College in recent years, a number of whom have progressed in their careers at the College.

The College launched the Newcastle-under-Lyme 100 in 100 Campaign on Friday 15 March and is targeting employers and young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme in a bid to create 100 Apprentice opportunities in 100 days.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Work Based Learning at NULC said: “It’s important for employers to know that we are committed to Apprenticeships.  Our Apprentices really are the future of our business and we have some very high-calibre employees who started with us as Apprentices.”

NULC currently provides Apprenticeships in more than a dozen areas including Accounting, Business and Administration, Construction, Childcare, Creative Studies, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Retail and IT.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s apprenticeships and how you can support the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.nulc.ac.uk/100 or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.

Event welcomes prospective apprentices

Young people aspiring to become hairdressing apprentices took part in a workshop at Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Transform Salon.

The event was organised by Business Development Manager for Hair and Beauty, Phil Davies for prospective apprentices, reaffirming that both the employers and apprentices have made the right choice.

Phil said: “The event provided the opportunity for the prospective apprentices to bond with each other, develop confidence and above all have a fun experience.”

During the day topics covered included introductions to;
•             Professional Consultations
•             Professional Shampoo and Conditioning services
•             Professional Blow-drying
•             Importance of delivering Professional Client Care and Service

At the end of the event learners had the opportunity to provide feedback on the event, with comments including;
“Rewarding learning how to blow dry someone’s hair properly”
“Helped improve my confidence”
“I enjoyed the session and it gave my confidence a boost as it was my first blow-dry”
“Lovely salon, great staff.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships in Hairdressing visit www.nulc.ac.uk/apprenticeships or contact Phil Davies on 01782 254122 or email Philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.