Working in partnership to develop business talent

The University of Central Lancashire has a long-established reputation for leading the way in modern learning. By uniting with Training 2000 they are now uniquely placed to service the high demand for apprenticeship programmes.

They provide a single point of contact for workplace and professional development, ranging from Level 2 through to Level 7. Content and delivery are designed in collaboration with high-profile employers, including BAE Systems, the BBC, Lancashire County Council, the NHS, Leyland Trucks, and Royal Mail.

The university and Training 2000 actively engage with employers eager to develop a talent pipeline to enhance their workforce, growing their businesses, and gaining a competitive advantage.

Higher and degree apprenticeships provide a unique environment for employers to upskill and grow existing employees, influencing their career development through education and training to ensure a quality employee is working for your business.

Those employers include larger levypaying employers and SMEs, with courses delivered on a local and national scale.

This makes the University of Central Lancashire and Training 2000 a partner of choice for workforce and professional development, with a unique portfolio and an increased number of campus locations.

The Apprenticeship Levy

Employers who pay the levy can use these funds to cover apprenticeship training costs. Non levy paying businesses can benefit from the co-funding scheme and receive 95 per cent government funding to support apprenticeship training.

Mum gets a second chance: Launch Events North West

Jo Leigh balanced family life and running a business while studying for her BA (Hons) digital marketing degree apprenticeship at UCLan.

She thought she had missed the chance to go to university. Now, thanks to a degree apprenticeship, the mum-of-three has been given a second chance at gaining qualifications.

With her sister Nichola, Jo runs events business Launch Events North West. Responsible for promoting the business through social media and digital marketing, she wanted to build skills in those areas through an accredited course, allowing her to continue balancing her creative director role with family life.

She says: “Most accredited courses are full-time but as a working mum, this wasn’t practical.”

Flying High: BAE Systems

The sky is the limit for Lewis Brereton after completing his software engineering apprenticeship while working at BAE Systems.

The 22-year-old graduated from a four-year apprenticeship course studying a BEng in software engineering with a first-class honours degree and has been in full-time employment with the aerospace giant ever since.

Lewis studied two days a week while undertaking a series of work-based placements and he says that the course has given him a ‘head start’ in the world of work.

He says: “The idea of having my degree fully-funded, whilst being paid and working with experts seemed a no-brainer.”

Building for the future: Balfour Beatty

Daniel Parkinson has gained a wealth of experience in the construction sector as he balanced his studies with his role at leading infrastructure group Balfour Beatty.

The 28-year-old from Preston is getting vital industry experience working at Sellafield in Cumbria on the giant nuclear decommissioning project.

Daniel, who studied on the BSc (Hons) quantity surveying course, chose it because it provided RICS accreditation.

He says: “Working in construction from the age of 16, I knew I wanted to continue my career in the industry. When Balfour Beatty offered me the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship, I realised this would be the right path for me.”

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