APPRENTICESHIP COURSE GUIDE www.preston.ac.uk
2 OUR EXPERIENCE Preston College has a successful track record in providing people with high quality apprenticeships. We have a dedicated employer engagement team working with employers to offer the best apprenticeship opportunities for our learners. We are one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the local area, successfully and proudly training hundreds of apprentices every year across a wide range of industry sectors. Our dedicated sector specialist staff and our industry-standard facilities make Preston College an exciting and enjoyable place to study. OUR EMPLOYER RELATIONS Our ongoing relationships with employers in the region are critical to ensure that our apprenticeship provision is highly relevant, up-to-date and of a high quality. Employers are considered and invited to collaborate and develop the curriculum to ensure that apprentices are learning the skills that employers need for their industry’s future. We work with over a thousand employers across the region, from the self–employed and SMEs to the large corporate and international organisations. OUR APPRENTICESHIP CURRICULUM At Preston College, we pride ourselves on the evolution of our programme and curriculum offer. Through detailed conversations with local employers, external stakeholders, and community leaders, we are able to gain vital industrial insight and technical expertise to inform our curriculum design and to ensure our apprentices are given the relevant technical skills to prepare them for current and future employer needs. EMPLOYABILITY Business owners see apprenticeships as an effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and we continue to see growth in employers working with us to fill their apprenticeship vacancies. Employers value apprenticeships because on top of subject knowledge, apprentices develop aptitude, attitude and behaviours that demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a team and become a valued member of the organisation. These skills are beneficial to job performance, personal and social development and future career success. OUR COLLEGE PROMISE The welfare and safety of our apprentices is our priority at Preston College, and we will ensure that every apprentice has access to a team of specialist staff who will support them through their apprenticeship. In addition to this, we will work with each employer to ensure that they have the relevant and most up-to-date information to enable them to provide a secure and safe environment for their apprentice to work in. We hope that you will consider Preston College as the training provider for your apprenticeship and we look forward to welcoming you to the college soon. PRESTON COLLEGE WELCOME TO At Preston College we take great pride in supporting all of our apprentices to achieve the qualifications, technical skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers and universities are looking for. Whether you are a school leaver, an adult looking to change your career through an apprenticeship or you are keen to upskill with your current employer, we have an apprenticeship programme for you. It is our mission to make you ready for industry and to thrive in your chosen career. We do this with the collaborative support and mentorship of our partner employers who give our apprentices the absolute best in real work experience and career progression. We offer expert training in a wide range of industries and sectors, and we are committed to ensuring you have the transferable skills that will help you achieve your career aspirations. Louise Doswell Principal and Chief Executive www.preston.ac.uk
3 www.preston.ac.uk ADULT CARE 8 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES 10 AAT ACCOUNTANCY 12 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 12 CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 14 DENTAL 18 ENGINEERING 20 HAIR AND BEAUTY 22 PHARMACY 18 PLUMBING, GAS AND ELECTRICAL 17 FIND YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
” “ 4 The apprenticeship route is brilliant because it’s a real mix of being in the work place and learning in a college environment. I liked school but I didn’t enjoy being in the classroom five days a week. An apprenticeship offers that perfect combination; being in work for the majority of the time with a day release to college. The engineering apprenticeship allows me to learn the skills as an Engineering Technician at a young age and as I progress, these grounding skills will benefit me hugely in the future. I really enjoy the work I do. There’s always a variety of work to be completed so I’m never doing the same task day in and day out and no two days are the same. I work with a great team and we get on so well. After my apprenticeship I am looking to complete my HNC which will provide me with further knowledge in this industry and help me progress. APPRENTICE PROFILE JAC ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - LEVEL 3 AT PREMIER HOSE TECHNOLOGIES
www.preston.ac.uk 5 THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN APPRENTICE Employers recognise their ability to hire the best of the best. They are on the lookout for those who have more than just a qualification, which is why apprenticeships are quickly becoming ever more popular with school leavers, college graduates and those already in employment who wish to upskill. Apprenticeships can benefit you and help you achieve your career goals and aspirations by allowing you to: Earn a salary Learn significant and relevant skills in your industry Become passionate for delivering results and achieve the employer’s core objectives Gain significant problem solving skills Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers Build a recognised positive attitude within your workplace Become commercially focused and gain experience in dealing with customer needs Become self-assured to work confidently and professionally Work towards an industry approved qualification with our industry experienced tutors Progress from Level 2 through to Degree Level Help you gain a permanent job role with your employer upon completion
6 www.preston.ac.uk YOU ASKED... WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? An apprenticeship is a technical course which is predominantly taught in the workplace through on and off the job training and accompanying study, normally through a day release to college. As an apprentice, you will be employed by an organisation who will train you and support you throughout your learning, whilst also paying you a salary. Depending on the level of study and the industry you choose, your apprenticeship could take you 12 – 48 months to complete. IS AN APPRENTICESHIP AS GOOD AS ANY OTHER LEVEL OF STUDY? Yes. An apprenticeship programme is as challenging, if not more so, than any other type of study within a college or university setting. As an apprentice you will be expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week in addition to your studies. It is hard work, but employers recognise the effort required to succeed and will know that you have shown a great level of dedication and commitment to your job role and qualification. You are exactly the type of employee they will be looking for. DO APPRENTICESHIPS HAVE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? All of our apprenticeships at Preston College have entry criteria and some will differ from others depending on the type of programme and level you wish to study. It is definitely worth visiting our website to see what the entry criteria are for each programme. All apprenticeships will require a level of maths and English. If you have not achieved your maths and English at grade C/4 or above, you may be required to study these alongside your apprenticeship. Prospective apprentices may be asked to take an initial assessment and college interview. HOW MUCH WILL I EARN? Your salary will be determined by your employer who will take into consideration your age, experience and potential. The minimum wage for an apprentice under 18 years of age is £4.81* per hour. This is the national minimum apprenticeship wage and you will be paid this for the first 12 months of your apprenticeship. After that, it will rise to at least the national minimum wage for your age group. If you are upskilling in a current role, your salary may stay the same. More details can be found at: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates *correct as of April 2022
www.preston.ac.uk 7 WHO CAN BE AN APPRENTICE? As long as you are 15 years old or over, have officially left school and not in full time education, you can become an apprentice. As an apprentice, you must have an employer or have the promise of employment as it will be your employer who will support you through your apprenticeship and invest in your training. Many apprenticeships, just like other courses will have entry requirements, so please do check this with a member of our team or visit the Preston College website. HOWWILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment for an apprenticeship is continuous throughout your programme and will be a mixture of on and off-the-job training. Most apprenticeships require written assignments, workplace or industry demonstrations and portfolio building. You will be assigned a work-based-tutor throughout your training who will support and train you throughout, and a mentor in your workplace who will ensure you are on track with your work. At the end of the apprenticeship you will be required to take an End Point Assessment (EPA). This will be to assess you on everything you have learnt on your apprenticeship. Training for this will begin three months before the end of your apprenticeship, giving you plenty of time to prepare. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE AN EMPLOYER? Don’t worry. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right role and employer to suit you. However, to make sure you have a place at college in September, we strongly recommend that you accept a college place as a backup. Our apprenticeship specialists will continue to work with you and our employer partners to find you the right apprenticeship. As soon as we secure employment for you, you can transfer from your college course onto your apprenticeship, no matter how far along you are on your course. FOR ADVICE ON FINDING AN EMPLOYER SEE p29
8 www.preston.ac.uk ADULT CARE • Adult Care Worker L2 • Lead Adult Care Worker L3 • Senior Healthcare Support Worker (Clinical) L3 • Leader in Adult Care L5 • Assistant Practitioner (Clinical) L5 An apprenticeship in this sector can be very rewarding. To work in care is to make a positive difference to someone’s life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges. Adult care workers and practitioners are the frontline staff who help adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible, enabling them to have control and choice in their lives. As an apprentice you could work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, clinical healthcare settings or even a person’s own home. Our health care department has direct links with the NHS and local health employers, giving you the opportunity to undertake a range of work experience placements and job opportunities. We have a range of facilities and equipment that provide a realistic learning experience. These include a fully kitted out hospital ward, electric hoist, ageing kit, hospital bed and resuscitation dummies. You will also find cutting edge technology to aid learning including 3D televisions, 3D projectors, HD technology, Flip cameras and Wiis.
Linkability is working with Preston College to train and educate new adult care professionals through the apprenticeship programmes - working collaboratively to ensure that our apprentices will become the carers of the future and a lifeline of support for those in need. Linkability train their apprentices within real adult care settings. They believe that support in the ordinary homes of the people they will care for, in the communities close From a group of parents launching their first supported living house in 1990, Linkability now supports over 70 people in the communities of Central Lancashire, West Lancashire, and areas of Greater Manchester. It is the people they support who are at the centre of what they do and why their charity exists. LINKABILITY to where the people have grown up, or where their friends and family live, gives real meaning to their aim to remain ‘small and local’ and provide more local support in our community. Our relationship with Linkability demonstrates the importance of collaborative partnerships with industry professionals. This ensures the development and growth of the new generation of adult care workers. EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT www.preston.ac.uk 9
www.preston.ac.uk 10 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES • Autocare Technician L2 • Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician L3 • Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician L3 The automotive department at Preston College forms part of our industry-standard iSTEM Centre. Through our apprenticeship provision, Preston College provides apprentices with access to purpose built workshops, an array of live vehicles and immediate access to highly experienced, industry experts, allowing you to put newly taught theory and skills into practice on live, demonstration cars. On these programmes, you will develop a wide knowledge set, allowing you to confidently carry out maintenance and everyday repairs on cars and heavy goods vehicles, right through to more complex work such as diagnostics and servicing. The apprenticeship programmes also include a unique combination of technical, retail and customer service skills, allowing you to gain transferable skills that are so valuable in the industry.
” “ 11 www.preston.ac.uk Sitting in a classroom wasn’t for me. I find I learn better whilst being shown what to do. It helps me remember the information and then have a go at it myself. That’s what I love about the apprenticeship. You can quickly transfer and apply the skills you have learnt in your work. I come into work and work alongside some of the best technicians in the country – which makes every day exciting but I also learn so much from them too. I’ve honestly loved doing an apprenticeship and it will help open up so many doors for me in the future. APPRENTICE PROFILE PIERS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN - LEVEL 3 AT BOWKER BMW
12 www.preston.ac.uk BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • AAT Accounts Assistant L2 • AAT Assistant Accountant L3 • AAT Professional Accounting Taxation Technician L4 • Customer Service L2 | L3 • Team Leader L3 • Business Administrator L3 • HR Support Assistant L3 • Learning Mentor L3 • Associate Project Manager L4 • Operations/Departmental Manager L5 Our Business and Professional sector apprenticeships are designed to equip you with the transferable knowledge and skills, the theory and the practice to help you support and engage with different parts on the organisation you work in. Offering a variety of apprenticeship programmes from AAT Accounting through to Team Leading and HR, these apprenticeships are designed to provide you with the opportunities to acquire key skills in the business sector. You will work within a professional setting, adding value and contributing to operational efficiencies, whilst interacting with both internal and external customers in a professional way; working across teams and resolving issues when needed. You will be expected to deliver your responsibilities efficiently and with integrity, whilst showing a professional attitude. The roles involve demonstrating strong communications skills and adopting a proactive approach to developing skills. You will be expected to show initiative, manage priorities and demonstrate problem solving abilities.
” “ 13 www.preston.ac.uk I chose to do an apprenticeship because for accountancy it looked to be a better option for me than going to university. The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop my skills in many ways and has allowed me to gain the best possible support from my tutor. I am also gaining the experience I need to go further in the industry. The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop key skills, especially my communication skills. It is something I am so pleased I chose to do. I would like to continue my apprenticeship with Moore and Smalley and progress onto the ACA or ACCA qualification. APPRENTICE PROFILE OLIVIA PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING - LEVEL 4 AT MHA MOORE AND SMALLEY
14 www.preston.ac.uk CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT • Bricklaying L2 • Interior Systems Installer (Plastering & Drylining) L2 - Plastering L2 • Wall and Floor Tiling L2 • Painting and Decorating L2 • Civil Engineering L2 - Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative L2 - Groundworker L2 • Property Maintenance Operative L2 • Wood Product Manufacturing Operative L2 • Roof Slater and Tiler L2 • Carpentry and Joinery L2 • Advanced Carpentry and Joinery L3 • Construction Quantity Surveying Technician L4 • Construction Site Supervisor L4 • Construction Site Engineering Technician L4 • Building Services Engineering Technician L4 • Facilities Manager L4 Our bespoke construction skills centre has recently benefited form a £1m renovation to allow our apprentices to have access to the latest technology and equipment, combined with high-specification industry-standard facilities with purpose built workshops for brickwork, carpentry, tiling and painting & decorating activities. This brand new development will support our industrytrained staff to further enhance the delivery of high quality technical learning in construction. You will be taught by highly experienced, industry experts who are passionate about their trade and dedicated to training apprentices to be highly skilled in their chosen trade area. In addition, Preston College offers more advanced programmes for those looking to progress through the qualification levels, or for those already working in the industry and looking to upskill.
” “ I’ve always been interested in brickwork – even as a child I knew that this was the kind of work I wanted to go into. Throughout school my focus was to get my grades so I would be employable when I finished school and to start an apprenticeship. Preston College has a longstanding reputation for being the training provider of choice for its construction courses and apprenticeship programmes. The facilities here are fantastic and the employer partners they work with vary in size. I have been lucky to work with W.Monks where I have been able to work on-site and attend college to perfect my skills one day a week. There are so many opportunities in the construction trade and the demand for work is increasing at a greater rate than ever before. I am on the level 2 now and looking to progress in my studies and employment following completion. APPRENTICE PROFILE CONNOR BRICKLAYING - LEVEL 2 AT W. MONKS (LONGRIDGE) LTD www.preston.ac.uk 15
16 www.preston.ac.uk To help create future trades within the construction industry, Rowland Homes works in partnership with Preston College and recruits six apprentice bricklayers and joiners every year. This involves three years of learning a new trade and/or skill on a construction site, whilst attending college one day per week. This partnership ensures that future bricklayers and joiners are learning the most up-to-date and relevant curriculum in this industry sector. Further to this, at the time of completion, we will have a group of work-ready apprentices with desirable skills and a wealth of experience. Independently owned and dedicated to creating stylish developments, Rowland Homes has a great track record in house design, construction and the creation of living communities, spanning more than 25 years. ROWLAND HOMES Rowland Homes provides a varied portfolio of traditional and contemporary houses throughout the North West including Blackpool, Leyland, Lytham St. Annes, Cottam, Garstang and Euxton to name but a few. Not only do our apprentices work and learn on these construction sites but they are contributing valuable skills to the local communities and helping to grow our regional economy. We are proud to work with Rowland Homes who have achieved ‘Gold’ in the 2021, wholly independent, customer satisfaction awards. This in itself demonstrates one of the reasons why we work with Rowland Homes as an employer of choice for our apprentices. EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
17 www.preston.ac.uk PLUMBING, GAS AND ELECTRICAL • Plumbing & Gas L3 • Electrical Installation L3 Plumbing, gas and electrical make up the key elements of the Building Services sector which is a fundamental area for Construction and the Built Environment. Apprenticeships in plumbing, gas and electrical are an ideal starting point for those looking to pave their way into a career within one of the biggest industries in the world. Plumbing and domestic heating technicians plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems. You could find yourself working inside or outside a property, so customer service skills and being tidy and respectful are important qualities, as you could often find yourself working in customers’ homes as well as on building sites Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments. You might work in both indoor and outdoor settings. Electrical equipment and systems may include switchboards, motors, cables, fuses, thermal relays, fault current protection switches, heating, lighting, air conditioning and metering equipment, as well as crime and fire alarm systems and renewable energy technologies. You will be able to work on your own proficiently and without immediate supervision in the most efficient and economical manner. Whichever pathway you choose throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop a broad range of skills to progress into employment. You will be working on a combination of practical and theoretical elements; covering essentials such as health and safety, pipework, fabrication, installation and repair as well as plumbing science and technology. For a plumbing, gas or electrical apprenticeship, please apply directly through JTL at www.application.jtltraining.com Delivered in partnership with JTL
18 DENTAL AND PHARMACY • Dental Nurse L3 • Dental Practice Manager L4 • Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant L2 • Pharmacy Technician L3 We are privileged to have a direct link with local dental and pharmacy employers who are keen to train the future talents within these two vitally important industries. Dental nurses assist with all aspects of patient care from simple check-ups right through to supporting specialist treatment and minor surgery. If you’re interested in science and oral health, this is the perfect career path for you. At Preston College our dental team has been awarded the ‘Skills for Health Quality Kite Mark’ for their outstanding commitment to providing excellent dental training on our full-time and apprenticeship programmes, ensuring you receive the very best training in this field. Those who wish to work in a pharmacy will typically prepare, supply and dispense medicines and products prescribed for patients under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Working in the community or at a hospital, you will meet lots of people and gain the skills and knowledge you need to work in the industry. As an apprentice, part of your learning will be located in our iSTEM Centre where we have an exceptional range of facilities and equipment to provide a realistic learning experience. You will also find cutting-edge technology to aid learning, including 3D televisions and projectors and HD technology. www.preston.ac.uk
19 www.preston.ac.uk ” “ I am coming up to finishing my apprenticeship after two years and it has been fantastic. Although part of my apprenticeship was sadly during covid, the support from the team at the dental practice and the tutors at Preston College have been brilliant and I was able to complete the majority of my work at home. When the dental practices were allowed to reopen it meant I was able to spend my time focussing on my work in the workplace and applying everything I had learnt in lockdown. I have loved working here and have learnt so much from the dentists. I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about an apprenticeship. It’s given me the life skills and industry skills that will help me to continue in my career. APPRENTICE PROFILE ISABEL DENTAL NURSE - LEVEL 3 AT SHAROE GREEN DENTAL PRACTICE
20 www.preston.ac.uk ENGINEERING • Engineering Operative L2 • Engineering Fitter L3 • Fabrication and Welding L2 • Metal Fabricator L3 • Engineering Technician L3 • Engineering Manufacturing Technician L4 • Electrical and Electronic Engineering L4 Engineering is arguably one of the most in demand and highest paid professions in the world. Almost every sector of every type of business requires an element of engineering support whether that be electrical, mechanical or manufacturing. Our engineering department sits within our iSTEM Centre, which boasts the very best in facilities, equipment and technology. Combine this with the industry qualified and experienced tutors, and you will gain an unprecedented learning experience within a range of multi-skilled practical roles.
21 www.preston.ac.uk ” “ The apprenticeship route was the best pathway for me. I researched what an apprenticeship entailed and found that it met my needs. I wanted to gain qualifications and experience in the workplace and to learn from the professionals as they worked alongside me. That, for me, is how I learn. Already my apprenticeship has allowed me to enhance my skills and knowledge in this industry and I love that I go home each day having learnt that bit more. I’m really excited for what the future holds. APPRENTICE PROFILE FURQAAN ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - LEVEL 3 AT PREMIER HOSE TECHNOLOGIES
22 www.preston.ac.uk HAIR AND BEAUTY • Hair Professional L2 • Beauty Therapist L2 • Advanced and Creative Hair Professional L3 • Holistic and Wellbeing L3 An apprenticeship in the hair and beauty sector can be very rewarding. From opening your own salon, to working in film and TV, or gaining employment aboard some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, the wealth of opportunities in the hair and beauty sectors are vast and hugely varied. Housed in our purpose built salon, our hair and beauty department at Preston College provides you with access to live clients, real salon environments and industry experienced tutors, who have spent years perfecting their trades. As an apprentice you will learn new techniques in a creative environment, whilst also learning how to work with your clients. It can also be financially rewarding as this industry and its services sees consistent demand, which in turn increases employment opportunities. As a Beauty Therapist, you will find yourself working in one of the largest, most trusted and continually expanding industries. Your work environment can vary in size, style and ambience; from cruise ships and large corporate spa resorts, through to smaller bespoke salons and spa hotels. Similarly, as a hair professional and working in a salon, you will learn job specific skills, earn a salary and attend college on an agreed rota to gain your qualification. You will meet new people and build up regular clients, providing advanced services such as colouring, cutting and styling. Both professions require a good understanding of health and safety as well as a technical understanding of the products used in most areas of hair and beauty, You will also cover reception duties, as a well as ordering stock and maintaining records and accounts.
23 www.preston.ac.uk ” “ I have always been interested in hairdressing so when I found out that I could do an apprenticeship in this – I jumped at the chance. The apprenticeship gives me the skills I need to become a hair professional but also gives me other skills such as customer service, communication skills and how to work within a team. My confidence has grown, even in such a short space of time, and I have made friends for life. I worried that I would miss out on the college lifestyle – but the mix of working with the day release to college has really benefited me, plus I get to work, learn and earn a salary! It’s without doubt one of the best things I have done. APPRENTICE PROFILE JOSEF HAIR PROFESSIONAL - LEVEL 2 AT JO AND CASS
24 www.preston.ac.uk Since identifying the Spa area as an area of growth, Ribby Hall has created a hugely successful and rewarding ‘Apprenticeship Academy’ and recruits Beauty Therapist apprentices every year. As a leading Spa Hotel in the region, Ribby Hall ensures that all of their therapists have the technical and interpersonal skills needed to deliver an exceptional service. Their apprenticeship journey includes learning from a dedicated, professional centre of education, combined with working in an award winning, holistic Spa. As Ribby Hall Village Spa Hotel expands, they are Ribby Hall, a five-star holiday resort set over 100 acres of Lancashire countryside, has partnered with Preston College for over five years to support the learning of beauty therapy apprentices. RIBBY HALL VILLAGE SPA HOTEL growing their teams and working alongside Preston College to train hard-working individuals that can take on the roles. Apprentices are exposed to and integrated into all aspects of the Spa business, which provides further learning opportunities. Ribby Hall Village Spa Hotel is able to have each new group of apprentices mentored by the previous year’s apprenticeship group. This is a rewarding experience that provides development and additional growth opportunities for all apprentices. EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
25 www.preston.ac.uk ” “ I wanted to start a career in beauty and knew that an apprenticeship would help me achieve this. I love meeting new clients every day and making people feel good. To be able to do this, whilst learning and earning a salary, for me is the best outcome. The team at Ribby Hall are like a big family and we have so much support for each other. We work together as a team and the Spa Manager is so supportive in helping us all achieve our goals. It’s given me the passion to want to achieve more and I look forward to an exciting career in this rewarding industry. The apprenticeship has really allowed me to learn so much and I’m grateful to Ribby Hall Village Spa Hotel for giving me the opportunity and I’m looking forward to progressing onto the Level 3. APPRENTICE PROFILE HONOR BEAUTY THERAPIST - LEVEL 2 AT RIBBY HALL VILLAGE SPA HOTEL
26 www.preston.ac.uk Leyland Trucks’ 1,000+ workforce comprises numerous ex-apprentices who continue to progress, with past apprentices operating in departments such as Purchasing, Operations and Design Engineering, to name but a few. This is thanks to their highly skilled HR and Talent teams who continue to leverage the diversity of career options that apprenticeships can bring and create clear pathways for progression, which enable apprentices to gain exciting careers for life within Leyland Trucks. As one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers globally, it is critical that all apprentices receive structured rotation programmes, to enable them to develop a Leyland Trucks has an industry-leading reputation for investing in local talent. This long and proud history of training has created one of the most sought-after apprenticeship programmes in Lancashire, with roles mirroring current and future skills needs. Apprentices are a critical part of Leyland Trucks succession planning to ensure the continued success of their business. EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT LEYLAND TRUCKS 360-degree view of the business and gain broad skills, knowledge and insight from different areas, whilst showcasing the variety of roles in which they could specialise. Leyland Trucks has built an excellent relationship with Preston College and we are hugely receptive to their current and future needs. As technology changes, so do the trucks they manufacture, and Leyland Trucks works closely with the college to build new courses and adapt the curriculum to mirror the future direction of business and ensure that collaboratively, we deliver work-ready talent.
27 www.preston.ac.uk ” “ I didn’t come through the typical apprenticeship route straight from school, which is always a surprise to people. I was in my 20s and joined Leyland Trucks through agency work. It was only as I was working in this setting that I realised how much I enjoyed the job and wanted to learn more. When the apprenticeship applications opened I applied and was fortunate enough to be offered one of the positions. I love that my role allows me to work across all different areas of the organisation. It helps me to meet new people with totally different skills and backgrounds, which helps me with my learning. APPRENTICE PROFILE COREY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN – LEVEL 4 AT LEYLAND TRUCKS
www.preston.ac.uk 28 More than 350 apprentices throughout the company’s history have enjoyed roles at Bowker Motor Group’s car and motorcycle dealerships in Preston, Blackburn and Osbaldeston including Bowker BMW and MINI centres, Bowker Motorrad and Bowker Ribble Valley. Today, apprentices work alongside several managers and executive team members who started out just like them. Those former-apprentice role models show just how important apprentices are to the business and explain why Bowker continues to be such a huge advocate of the apprenticeship system. Earlier this year, Bowker Motor Group revealed a new automotive technologies partnership with Preston Apprenticeships play an important role at Bowker Motor Group. As a Lancashire-based family business, Bowker is always looking for meaningful ways to invest in the county’s future. All staff enjoy support as their careers develop. Apprentices too enjoy the opportunity to play an active role as they begin their learning journey in a wide range of technology and service skills. BOWKER MOTOR GROUP College. This will help apprentices learn a breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours in their specific area. The aim is to help apprentices to become confident in carrying out maintenance and everyday repairs on vehicles, cars and motorcycles, through to more complex diagnostics and servicing. This new strategic relationship with Preston College is the perfect collaboration between two organisations who share the same values and vision for local learners. Bowker also operates an apprentice loyalty programme. Apprentices joining the group receive a £7,000 cash bonus after seven years of service. EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
29 FINDING AN EMPLOYER To be an apprentice you must have an employer. If you are not already in a job and are looking to find an employer, here are five really easy steps to ensure you succeed. Preston College’s matching service provides strong relationships with hundreds of employers across the region who are waiting to hire you. So whether you are a school leaver, college leaver or an adult already within employment, we would love to hear from you! Speak to one of our specialists by calling 01772 225768 or email appsinfo@preston.ac.uk VISIT LOCAL EMPLOYERS Visiting businesses demonstrates that you possess initiative, confidence and drive. These are key attributes that employers look for in a potential apprentice. VOLUNTEER/ WORK EXPERIENCE Make a lasting impression by giving a local business a helping hand – it could be your golden ticket to employment! UPDATE YOUR CV Make sure you stand out from the crowd with the best CV possible – it’s the best way to sell yourself to an employer. CONTACT PRESTON COLLEGE Our Apprenticeship Team work with hundreds of local employers and will be able to help put you in touch with businesses across the region that are recruiting. WORD OF MOUTH Ask your friends and/or family if they know of any local companies who ae looking to hire an apprentice. www.preston.ac.uk
www.preston.ac.uk 30 PREPARE A GOOD CV Your CV is your biggest selling tool so make sure that you get it noticed! To get you started, here are a few handy tips to make your CV stand out from the crowd… Keep it relevant and current Type it up on a computer and keep it in one style Spell check throughout (even your name!) Ensure it is clear and concise Keep it below two A4 sides Ask someone to proof read and check it for you If you are sending it direct to an employer – send it with a covering letter MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE: Your Details Full name, address and contact number. Personal Statement A small paragraph to introduce yourself and a brief description of your skills. Education Include your school, college, university with your subject and grades. Employment Put your most recent employment first and include dates, job titles and duties. Include any additional work experience and/or voluntary work. Additional Information This could include: a full UK driving licence, sports achievement, Duke of Edinburgh or if you have held a position of authority, for example, school councillor, form representative or sports leader. Interests Expand on these, for example, “I enjoy tennis and I am part of a county club. I regularly compete in competitions.” DID YOU KNOW? Preston College has launched a free online platform for prospective apprentices to help you create a CV. Our Careers Coach platform will give you the tools to build a ready-made CV for employers and will offer you impartial careers guidance and suggested career paths. Please visit preston.emsicc.com
31 www.preston.ac.uk INTERVIEW PREPARATION THINGS TO REMEMBER: Dress smartly and prepare your outfit the night before Find out where the interview is taking place and plan your route the day before Read the job and person specification to understand what is expected in the role Prepare answers, with examples, to ensure you demonstrate the skills required Stay calm, take your time, and speak clearly and confidently Always answer truthfully and use examples Sell yourself and your skills to the employers, keep things positive and focused Prepare a few questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview Make sure you know what is written on your own CV and are able to talk about it REMEMBER NOT TO: Be late Criticise former employers or colleagues Slouch in your seat, or do anything that makes you look uninterested Discuss controversial topics that are not relevant to the job role Fail to attend your interview. If for any reason you are unable to attend, please inform the Apprenticeship Team at the earliest opportunity
READY TO APPLY? If you didn’t find the apprenticeship you were looking for, please get in touch and let us know as we regularly introduce new provision throughout the academic year. All of the latest information is on the Preston College website. All information contained within this guide is correct at the time of going to print (June 2022). Some circumstances beyond the control of Preston College may mean that it is not possible to provide the education services outlined in this course guide. Examples include: minimum numbers required to run the apprenticeship not being met, the unanticipated departure or absence of key members of teaching staff and industrial action by staff or third parties. This list is not exhaustive. Information is subject to change at short notice and online learning elements may continue to be incorporated into all programmes. Course dates and/or times may also be changed at short notice due to matters outside of the College’s control. /prestoncollege Preston College St Vincent’s Road Preston PR2 8UR 01772 225768 appsinfo@ preston.ac.uk preston.ac.uk /apply
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