Keighley College event showcased the benefits of apprenticeships
We collaborated with several colleges and skills providers in the district to encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship.
The college joined forces with Shipley College, Bradford College, West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, as well as the European Social Fund, Bradford District CTE and SkillsHouse to promote the benefits of apprenticeships available in Keighley and its surrounding areas.
The event, held at Victoria Hall in Saltaire, gave people looking to find out more about apprenticeships the opportunity to talk directly to employers from a variety of sectors, including manufacturing and engineering (including rail), IT and digital, health and social care and construction.
Clare Fitzgerald, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Keighley College, said: “We have over 15 different apprenticeships and many of our apprentices gain employment, or stay with their apprenticeship employer as a permanent employee.
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in attracting and retaining valuable team members. They are one of the best ways to unlock skills quickly and help staff progress into positions where they can make a real positive impact.”
As one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the district, Keighley College works closely with more than 200 employers, including Airedale Hospital and Produmax, to provide and train apprentices.
Starting with only 30 apprentices six years ago, the college has grown its apprenticeship offer and now has more than 400 apprentices.
To date, 700 apprentices have completed their apprenticeships, with the college playing a major role in developing outstanding links with local partners and businesses to meet changing economic needs.
The college, which has continued its efforts to raise the profile of apprenticeships, launched its second 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign earlier in the year, following the success of the campaign in 2021. The aim of the campaign was to get 100 apprentices placed in 100 days.