Preston College apprenticeships: Supplying the workforce of the future

Preston College is one of the largest training providers in Lancashire to offer apprenticeships in a variety of technical industry areas.

Our apprenticeship portfolio is driven by the demands of employers and the skills needed in the region, combined with the demand of individuals wanting to work in specific trades and professions.

The college continues to ensure that Lancashire employers have a continual supply chain of work-ready learners, competent apprentices and adult learners looking to upskill (through the Upskilling Lancashire project, funded by the European Social fund) and progress with their career ambitions.

Technical education in Lancashire is the key to enable people to develop the technical skills employers need to address productivity challenges and in doing so boost their own earning potential.

Preston College wants the people we train to gain employment within their local area and so we work with employers within the key employment sectors to develop our curriculum to supply the workforce of the future.

Apprenticeships are on the increase as employers are starting to recognise the potential to increase long term productivity within their business and benefit from wider curriculum knowledge, for example green skills that add value for the employer.

The demand for higher level jobs is set to increase in the next 10 to 15 years with more than 50,000 wanting skills at Level 4 and above, and apprenticeships are an excellent vehicle to be used for all ages as they journey along a career pathway.

There are some exciting opportunities coming to Lancashire: National Cyber Force, Eden Project and Low Carbon Jobs and it’s crucial that Preston College, alongside all other FE and HE institutions, provide an education system that develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to find sustainable employment in these sectors.

Pictured above: Linzi Monks, head of apprenticeships, Preston College

CASE STUDY: BOWKER

Lancashire automotive retailer Bowker Motor Group works in partnership with Preston College to help apprentices learn a breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours in their specific industry sector.

The partnership helps apprentices to become confident in carrying out maintenance and everyday repairs on vehicles, cars and motorcycles, through to the more complex diagnostics and servicing.
The technical skills programme partnership with the Bowker Group will provide valuable experience and development opportunities that will ensure learners become sought-after within the industry.

Mark Taylor, head of school for engineering and automotive technologies, says: “The automotive retail sector has witnessed considerable innovation over recent years.

“Our partnership with Bowker Motor Group will help us to keep ahead of the game by offering real life-learning experiences with the latest automotive technologies in a commercial environment.”