Keighley College partners with National Timber Group to deliver first national apprenticeship qualification
Keighley College partners with National Timber Group to deliver first national apprenticeship qualification.
Keighley College, a member of Luminate Education Group, has partnered with National Timber Group (NTG), which includes all branches of Arnold Laver, to deliver a Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor apprenticeship standard – the first national delivery of an apprenticeship qualification delivered by the college.
The 15-month apprenticeship is a key part of the timber distribution company’s plan to develop a standardised approach to quality across the group and is a key part of its succession plan. NTG is currently training internal staff in conjunction with Keighley College, incorporating a blended learning approach that will include the cohort working together as a group and as individuals in their respective branches, where they will be supported by their mentors. There will also be distance learning supported by a dedicated teacher and assessor.
As the world recovers from the economic impact of COVID-19, demand in the £10 billion sector has risen as construction starts to ramp up again. The industry provides thousands of jobs across the country in forestry, sawmills, and high-tech manufacturers in merchants and housebuilding
Clare Fitzgerald, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth at Keighley College, said: “In the last 18 months, apprentice reforms have opened up the doors for private companies to get involved in delivering apprenticeships.
“The creation of new apprenticeship standards, coupled with the government’s incentives have highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships across the country. Working closely with National Timber Group, we want to create opportunities to help learners progress within the industry and help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that meet industry demand.”
There are plans to further develop the programme to support production managers within the company with upskilling or reskilling. The college is currently working closely with the NTG to create further sales and management training that will enable staff to clearly identify their career pathway and progression opportunities.
Marc Bertrand, HR director at National Timber Group, said: “Our partnership with Keighley College is a key part of our strategy to support National Timber Group as we go from strength to strength. They are helping us to develop the management teams of tomorrow who will be vital to continuing this success.”
The Arnold Laver business has grown nationally from its inception in Heeley, Sheffield, and supplied over 50% of the timber and timber-based products required during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
