Business leaders meet to boost local apprenticeships

Tracey Wood, Employer Partnership and Engagement Manager at Hopwood Hall College and Jolene Tayl

Business leaders in the fire and security sector recently met with Hopwood Hall College’s apprenticeship team at the new Apprenticeship Standards launch in a bid to boost the numbers and effectiveness of apprentices.

With a new, more industry relevant, apprentice framework being spearheaded by Kings Security’s Training Manager Jolene Taylor, heads from similar businesses met with Jolene and apprenticeship experts at the College’s Middleton campus to discuss how best to invest and develop potential talent in local areas.

After a recent push in both the business and education sector for increasing apprenticeships, the meeting was an opportunity for industry leaders to understand how apprentices can benefit their business both financially and in terms of developing future talent.

Thanks to the work of Jolene Taylor and the ‘traileblazer’ team, the existing apprenticeship framework has now been replaced with the Fire and Security Apprenticeship Standard.

Colin Eddy, one of the Directors at security systems giant Tyco, said of the event: “We found this event extremely useful. Not only in better understanding the changes to the training, but how the new apprenticeship funding system works for business.

“We are keen to work in partnership with Hopwood Hall College and be involved in such forums to represent the industry and skills needed within it.”

The colleges’ Employer Partnership and Engagement Manager, Tracey Wood, echoed similar sentiments: “Working in partnership with employers is one of our priorities, understanding their needs will help shape our apprenticeship programmes adding value for the employers.

“In the time of such change we want to support employers and help them utilise the funding available, as well provide a high quality service with high quality apprenticeships. Having events such as this will contribute to both those aspects.”