Runshaw College hails Apprenticeship Open Day as “huge success”

Leyland's Runshaw College has hailed its New Student Apprenticeship Open Day a great success, as they seek to attract young people to consider apprenticeships and to help them improve their employability.

Steph Ashton, the college’s Training & Development Advisor, said: “It was a really productive day and we had over forty 16 to 18 year old school and college leavers who attended.

“We focussed on business sectors such as Engineering, Catering and Hospitality, Childcare, Hair and Beauty, Business Administration, Health and Social Care and Teaching Assistants.

“The aim was to help the students improve their employability, team working and communication skills, so we held a number of activities and advice sessions.

“In the afternoon, we had presentations from businesses, with Fiona Pilkington, the Bank Manager at the Chorley Royal Bank of Scotland and her colleague Julie Salisbury, a Relationship Bank Manager advising the benefits of sound financial management.

“They were followed by Julian Jordan, the Head of Marketing from Leyland-based TES Wireless Communications, who design and implement radio systems for some of the world’s best known brands. Julian explained how students can market themselves to employers in the digital age, whilst considering the advantages and pitfalls of social media,” added Steph.

Julian Jordan, the Head of Marketing at Leyland-based TES Wireless Communications, said: “It was a pleasure to speak at such a brilliant event. The new facilities at Runshaw College are outstanding and it was great to meet tutors and the young people who are considering apprenticeships. Within 24 hours of the event, I had a CV sent to me from one attendee, who is keen to learn more about radio and electronic engineering.” Fiona Pilkington, the Bank Manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Chorley, added: “It was an excellent event and Julie and I were delighted to be able to advise the attendees about working in banking, as well as matters they’ll need to consider to successfully manage their finances, as they move through education, apprenticeships and their careers.”