Strode College is proud to support National Apprenticeship Week which takes place from 7th to 13th February 2022. This week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that apprenticeships bring.
Suzie Drew, Strode College’s new Business Development Manager, who leads Strode College’s Employer Engagement Business Development Team is proud of how successful the College has been in matching learners to employers. She maintains this is key to their success; finding the right combination of the right learner, the right course and the right employer.
Strode College has a great range of publicity planned to take place throughout National Apprenticeship Week, providing a marvellous opportunity for employers and students alike to see what the College has to offer. For those interested in finding out more about Strode College there is also an Open Evening being held on Thursday 10 February, when members of the team will be on hand to answer any questions, you may have. To register for the Open Evening please visit the Strode College website as all places must be pre booked.
The following students highlight how Apprenticeship have helped to find them their dream jobs.
LILY CHANT
Level 4 Business Apprenticeship
Lily did her apprenticeship whilst working with John Wainwright & Co Ltd. She continuously progressed throughout her apprenticeship, being exposed to different areas/departments and taking on extra responsibility. She provided support to the Health and Safety department, and had training and development on payroll admin, to support the payroll manager.
Lily was awarded 'Apprentice of the Year' and has been offered a permanent role. She also has further training and development opportunities on the horizon.
SAM BOND
Level 2 Baking Apprenticeship
Sam says
"I've baked my whole life and looked for a decent course to get the recognised qualification for a career in baking, that's why this apprenticeship is the perfect fit for me. It lives up to my expectations of what I learn at the bakery and at the College. My employer is supportive of me doing this apprenticeship. I hope to get the qualifications to move up into a baking career full-time and once I have completed the apprenticeship, it will also benefit the company too."
Sam is working at Endacott's Bakery.
ALEXANDRA COLLINS
Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship
Alexandra says
“I enjoyed learning at Strode mainly because of the teachers and the amount of support I’ve been given throughout the whole process and probably wouldn’t have the confidence I have now if it was not for them. I chose to study an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn a new skill and get training for something as well as a means to earn money and learn simultaneously. The apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to challenge and push myself where I normally would not have done.”
Alexandra completed her apprenticeship at Sense, Hair, Skin & Body Salon in Wells. She worked as a Junior Stylist and also as an assistant to senior stylists.
MORGAN RICHARDSON
Level 3 Telecommunications & Network Engineering Apprenticeship
Morgan says
"I've travelled and worked across Europe, including in Berlin. We spent two weeks working at a dementia care home in Wales where we were crawling through attics installing 80 cable points. I loved it, although we sometimes struggled to get down if the residents had moved our ladders!”
Morgan works for GT Communications Ltd and has helped install office systems for Flight Centre travel agents and upgrade telecoms for 800 Co-op stores.
EMMA PROUDLOVE
Baking Apprenticeship
Emma says
"I love where I work, who I work with and I love baking! The course I’m on at Strode is incredible. I’m not just learning about how to bake cakes, or pastries, or bread, I’m learning everything you could possibly need to know about how to become a great baker.
The course covers everything from where/how flour is milled, right up to packaging, cost price and selling the product. It’s incredible how much I’ve learnt about the industry in just my first year."
Emma is taking her apprenticeship at Bowden’s the Bakers at Lucy Lou’s in Bampton, Devon. She hopes to continue working at Bowden’s the Bakers when she finishes her apprenticeship.
Megan Watkins
Business Administration Apprenticeship with Skanska AB in Bridgwater.
Here’s what she said about her apprenticeship
"Completing my apprenticeship being supported by the College, and my employer Skanska, makes the whole process much easier. It makes the transition between attending college full-time and entering the working world a lot less daunting!”
Megan is looking to complete a level 4 or 5 apprenticeship in the construction industry when she finishes her current apprenticeship.
CHLOE WHITE
Hair Professional Level 2 at Franklin Hair Spa in Castle Cary
Chloe Says
"I chose an apprenticeship because I am a hands on learner and was eager to start my career path. When I found out I could earn money whilst studying for a qualification I wanted It seemed like an obvious choice, one I'm very glad I made. Being in my apprenticeship now gives me endless opportunities and responsibilities which prepare me for my future as an adult."
Chloe is currently on her second year at Franklin Hair Spa in Castle Cary. Chloe is now working full time on the salon floor with her own clients alongside having regular training with her employer and Industry trainers.
SCOTT CARPENTER
Apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 3 at Hindhayes Infants School
Scott says "I enjoy being an apprentice as it means that I am able to learn my role hands-on whilst also being able to study whilst at college. I think that the fact you can earn whilst learning too plays a big factor into why I enjoy myself too. The mix of work experience and studying means that I can always learn and improve on lots of things.
I like Strode College as it is a big place with many different things for students to do such as the library, computers, the sports hall, cafeteria. The teaching that I have received has also been of a high quality and has also enabled me to make new friends whilst in college."
Scott is planning to continue as Admin Assistant at Hindhayes Infants School.
THOMAS BAILEY
Apprentice Commis Chef with The Swan Hotel in Wells
Tom says "The staff at Strode College are so nice and helpful. My Tutor has taught me so much. Strode has a great environment and has amazing equipment that can help you."
Tom is looking to move onto a higher Apprenticeship with The Swan Hotel in Wells next.
LOUISE LANE
intermediate Apprenticeship Early Years Practitioner at Buttercups Nursery School.
Louise says "I enjoyed leaning all about children development and the way they learn and grow. By being an apprentice I have been able to help the children follow their dreams and help them achieve. I have enjoyed the mixture of attending a college and working at the nursery. The team at Buttercups have been so supportive to me and helped me so much to grow, learn and develop. I am, really proud of what I have achieved.
The teachers at Strode College are legends and have really helped me to learn. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible. I enjoyed my tutor Kelly Cave coming into my work setting and observing me. She always makes me feel confident and I like that I feel I can achieve anything with her support."
Louise is now planning to study her Level 3 Childcare qualification whilst continuing to work at Buttercups.
The following case studies highlight how Apprenticeships has helped employers to find them their next great employee.
The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals ITP
The ITP is the UK’s leading independent institution for people working in telecommunications. Strode College work in close partnership with them and have so far placed nine apprentices.
Here’s what Charlotte Goodwill, Head of Apprenticeships at the ITP, has to say about working with Strode College. “The support and communication from the College, both from Director of Employer Engagement David Byford and Assessor Andrew Watson, has been nothing but amazing.
The course content has been relevant and has been delivered to our learners to a high standard. All our learners through Strode College have spoken positively of their apprenticeship journey and of the support they have received throughout, both by Andrew and The ITP.
Five of our learners are still on the scheme and remain in full-time positions as valued employees with their companies.
field&flower
Based in Somerset, field&flower are an award-winning business working with independent West Country farmers and fishermen who share their sustainability values.
Here’s what Liz Wilson - Operations Office Manager at field&flower, has to say
“I would strongly advise other employers to take on an apprentice. You can train them in your company’s way and they are keen to learn and gain practical experience within their chosen industry."
Jabberwocky Children’s Nursery Ltd
Jabberwocky Children’s Nursery Ltd employ 5 Apprentices.
Rachel Smallwood, Managing Director says
"We have retained some of our Apprentice’s. Once they are qualified and if a job is available, we will employee them on a contract. The great thing about employing an Apprentice who you have supported throughout their training is they know the setting, their role, the children, staff and parents. The nurseries ethos is embedded ensuring great practice."
Whether you are an employer interested in finding out about courses to develop your team, be it T Levels, apprenticeships, or degree level qualifications, Strode College offers a wealth of fantastic opportunities to help your employees achieve their career aspirations.
To find out more contact Suzie Drew | Business Development Manager | 01458 844419 | 07967 773707 or email Suzie at sdrew@strode-college.ac.uk