Apprenticeships at Blackburn College

Blackburn College has a long established track record of successfully providing specialist industry courses and professional qualifications, delivered by our University Centre.

In recent years our professional services offer has extended to include Higher Level Apprenticeships, including Commercial Procurement and Supply (CIPS), HR Consultant / Partner (CIPD) and Management (ILM).

Last year, we became the first in Pennine Lancashire to offer a Lancaster University Degree Apprenticeship, with the launch of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA).

We now offer a range of Apprenticeships at levels 4, 5 and 6.

Are apprenticeships suitable for my business?

The scope of apprenticeships has widened a great deal in recent years, far beyond the ‘traditional’ industries of previous generations.

For example, apprenticeships are an excellent route into financial and professional services – especially when studied at higher levels – as they’re the equivalent to a degree.

The mix of hands-on experience with classroom learning is giving individuals a great head start to their careers.

However, they are not just for hiring new staff, they are also great for upskilling your team.

So whether you’re looking to take on new staff or develop your existing talent, apprenticeships can be an effective way of reaching those goals.

What options are available to individuals already holding degrees?

As an employer looking to take on an individual who already holds a degree, you may struggle to access funding.

However, there are exceptions, particularly where the apprenticeship is substantially different from their degree topics – so it is always worth checking.

Is it expensive?

There is significant support available for employers who are investing in apprentices. Large, levy paying companies will already have access through their levy account, whilst smaller businesses benefit from a 90 per cent contribution to training costs, making apprenticeships a cost effective solution to staff recruitment and upskilling.

Hannah Baker
Business development manager, apprenticeships
01254 292500
blackburn.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS, FIND THE FULL APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE IN THE MARCH/APRIL EDITION OF LANCASHIRE BUSINESS VIEW.