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Welcome to our Q1 Partnerships Newsletter
Welcome to the latest edition of the York College & University Centre Employer Newsletter. In this edition, we are delighted to celebrate all things apprenticeship related. The annual National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10th February to 16th February) saw us highlight the key strengths of our apprenticeship delivery.
We recently won the Training Provider of the Year award at the York and North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, highlighting the exceptional work we have in this area. The proportion of our apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeships continues to be significantly higher than the national average. As always, we greatly value the excellent employers we have the pleasure of working with. They really do ensure our apprentices get the very best experience as both an employee and as an apprentice still learning their trade.
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On Monday, 10th February we held our Open Evening that was focused on the apprenticeship opportunities available to school leavers. With a wide range of employers exhibiting their opportunities, this was a great way to raise their company’s profile and secure the next generation of talented young people from across York and North Yorkshire.
Thank you for continuing to support York College & University Centre. As always, we remain committed to meeting the needs of your company. So should there be any part of your training and development requirements that you think we can assist with, please simply get in touch. The answer to your request for help and support is almost always going to be yes.
Ken Merry
Principal and Chief Executive
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Thank you to all the employers who joined us at our Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, Monday 10th February |
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National Apprenticeships Week 10th February - 16th February 2025
We're celebrating National Apprenticeships Week by showcasing some of our successful
apprenticeship stories, both on our website and on social media.
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Award-winner Matthew Clayton benefits from 'brilliant' apprentice partnership with Bagnalls
Having taken on their first apprentice back in 1877, Bagnalls have high standards when it comes to choosing new starters and education partners.
The national painting and decorating contractors will celebrate their 150th-year anniversary next month with Level 2 apprentices currently accounting for around 75 of their 650-strong workforce.
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So, here at York College & University Centre, we are proud to have a long-standing relationship with the Yorkshire-based firm that has resulted in an impressive line of talented apprentices going on to make a big impact at Bagnalls.
One of the latest to follow this pathway is Matthew Clayton, whose excellent efforts during his apprenticeship not only saw him leave College with a full-time job, but also a hat-trick of awards.
After being named Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year and winning the prestigious Guild of Building Bronze honour at our 2024 Construction Awards Night, Matthew went on to scoop the Apprentice of the Year prize at our annual REACH (Rewarding Excellence and Celebrating Hard Work) Awards Ceremony.
A modest Matthew admits he was “very shocked” by his terrific trophy haul, but his employers were unsurprised by his merited recognition, including Bagnalls’ Site Supervisor Adam Townsley.
“It’s all about Matthew’s work ethic for me and we were always receiving feedback from College that he was exactly the same there,” Adam pointed out. “His timekeeping is superb”.
“He’s always at work on time – normally quite a bit before – and he’s just really willing to get stuck in, learn and give things a go. He also follows instructions really well and is polite.”
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David celebrates end of Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship by winning a top national award
Craft Carpentry and Architectural Joinery apprentice David Walker is delighted to have left York College with a “sense of pride”, a new trade to better his family’s life and a prestigious national award.
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David, 36, celebrated the end of his apprenticeship with College and Ryedale Joinery by being named the winner of the Institute of Carpenters’ Third Year Robert Rampley Memorial Prize for Craftsmanship.
Students from 55 UK colleges were eligible for the award but, just as rewarding for David, is the career direction and satisfaction his apprenticeship provided him following years of moving from one job to another.
“I came to the apprenticeship later in life,” Scarborough-based David pointed out. “I’d sort of been in the industry a little bit, doing labouring and landscaping, but I really started setting my sights on getting qualified.
“It became a dream of mine, as I went through life, to actually apply myself to something, because I’ve done lots and lots of different things. I was a postman for a while and worked in museums doing technician kind of work.
“I’ve also played in a lot of bands, been unemployed and done a lot of travelling, which is when I decided the apprenticeship was something I wanted to do and to do whatever it would take to do it to better my life and my family’s life. I was living in Cornwall, but me and my partner wanted to move back up north and I saw the apprenticeship advertised in an area we were willing to move to.
“Thankfully, I was taken on and given the opportunity and, after doing lots of different things, it’s given me a sense of pride to come away with a trade, as well as a qualification and a certificate that says I can do it, which is worth its weight in gold.”
Having now landed a full-time job with Ryedale Joinery, David is also keeping up a family tradition of tradesmen in the profession that he regards as both creative and rewarding.
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Harriet lands dream role on York Minster Apprenticeship Programme
Harriet Bailey admits she feels “very lucky” to call York Minster her workplace after years of drifting from one unsuitable job to the next.
Having completed Level 2 and 3 courses in Stonemasonry at York College & University Centre, Harriet was accepted onto the apprenticeship programme at one of the world’s most famous cathedrals.
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Learning the trade alongside York College apprentices Freya De Lisle, Jemima Davies and Geraint Pounder, Harriet now believes she has found her true calling at a “really special place”.
She also describes enrolling at College as the “life-changing decision” that set her on such an exciting career pathway.
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Apprentice Omar works on Ed Sheeran stage, Eurovision set and a 20-tonne whale shark in Qatar!
Helping design Ed Sheeran’s tour stage, a set for Eurovision and a 20-tonne whale shark suspended between Qatar skyscrapers are just three of the exciting projects Omar Nour has worked on as a York College & University Centre apprentice.
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Omar, 23, is serving his apprenticeship as a Design Engineer at Tockwith-based company Stage One with the fruits of his labour for such high-profile events often showcased on TV.
With Design & Technology (DT) having been his favourite subject at school due to the Computer Aided-Design (CAD) modules, Omar admits that he feels like he has landed his “dream job”.
He even moved to North Yorkshire from his home in the Cumbrian town of Sedbergh to pursue that dream after successfully applying for the apprenticeship vacancy on College’s website.
His precision 3D model creations are now brought to life by fabricators, such as joiners and welders and, as he completes the final weeks of his apprenticeship with College assessors preparing him for his End-Point Assessment during monthly site visits, he has already been told he will be taken on permanently by Stage One if he passes.
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Beauty Apprentice Lucy Farrow shining at Verbena Spa
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is the perfect time to celebrate rising stars in the beauty industry, and first-year Beauty Apprentice Lucy Farrow is a shining example.
Working and training at Verbena Spa in Helmsley, Lucy’s passion for beauty stems from her mother, a hardworking mobile hairdresser who has been her greatest source of support and inspiration.
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With a strong work ethic and growing skill set, Lucy has already gained experience providing manicures and pedicures to paying clients and is now preparing to deliver her first facial.
Lucy's enjoyment of the social aspects of her apprenticeship, both at York College and in the beauty industry, have given her the opportunity to meet new people whom she has built long-lasting friendships with.
Speaking highly of her York College tutor Rachel Willits and describing her as caring, supportive, and approachable, Lucy believes that having a good relationship with a tutor makes learning easier and more enjoyable.
Recruiting the apprentice due to her enthusiasm for the industry, Spa Manager Kelly Nicholson has witnessed Lucy’s confidence flourish throughout her apprenticeship and emphasises that, when selecting an apprentice, personality is key. She also highlights the invaluable role apprentices play within the team, bringing fresh enthusiasm, skills and energy to the spa.
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Castle Howard fortifies York College apprentices with an armoury of different skills – both old and new
World-famous stately home Castle Howard is fortifying York College apprentices with an armoury of different skills as our joint training provider.
The majestic Henderskelfe residence – a regular setting for film and television productions – has a diverse programme for apprentices in building services, catering and beyond.
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Apprentices like Frankie Taylor (Painting & Decorating), Oliver Moss (Joinery) and Archie Leggett (Production Chef), have shared their experiences of hands-on learning at the historic estate while gaining valuable qualifications at York College.
Fittingly, given their surroundings, they are also being tutored in traditional ways of working as well as new.
Chris Convery, Head of People at Castle Howard, also emphasises the vital role apprenticeships play in addressing skills shortages, preserving traditional trades and supporting local talent. With a commitment to expanding opportunities, Castle Howard continues to champion apprenticeships as a pathway to career growth and heritage preservation.
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Bettys & Taylors apprenticeship offers right blend of campus and on-site tuition for Patryk and Max
It perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise that York College engineering apprentices Patryk Weglowski and Max Rose believe they have found the perfect blend of classroom tuition and workplace experience with Bettys & Taylors Group.
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After all, the UK's number 1 tea brand Yorkshire Tea is produced by the Taylors of Harrogate arm of the family business, while its Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms are renowned for the quality of their delicious treats and exceptional service.
Such high standards of service are also paramount at Taylors' impressive North Yorkshire factory base, where Patryk and Max are helping to ensure the high-tech machinery keeps manufacturing those famous tea bags.
After several years of being uncertain what profession and educational pathway best suited him, Patryk decided he would like to pursue a career in engineering after he realised that he enjoyed and had a flair for dismantling his car engine and putting it back together again.
He was already working as a machine operator at Taylors and decided to apply for the apprenticeship, which would be delivered in partnership with York College.
Like Patryk, Max started down the A Level pathway when he was first considering his post-16 options, only to change tact when he thought he would prefer to turn a life-long passion into a possible employment route.
“I enjoyed fixing and making things when I was little with my dad – like garden furniture and other things around the house,” Max explained. “I did AS Levels at College during Covid, but I always wanted to do something that was hands-on, so I moved onto the Level 3 vocational course in Engineering for two years and, then applied for the apprenticeship and I’ve really enjoyed it."
Patryk, meanwhile, stressed how he really appreciates the breadth of knowledge he is acquiring on the apprenticeship.
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Interested in offering an apprenticeship to our students?
We are always on the lookout for new employers. If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeships; and are interested in offering our students a placement within your business, please email apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
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NEW APPRENTICESHIPS FOR 2025! As part of York College & University Centre’s ongoing development of our Apprenticeship offer, we are excited to announce that we will be delivering the following new apprenticeship standards from September 2025:
- Early Years Practitioner Level 2
- Early Years Educator Level 3
- Healthcare Support Worker Level 2
- Craft Painter & Decorator Level 3
- Business Administrator Level 2
- Multi-channel Marketer Level 3
More opportunities to follow later in the year, so please keep an eye out for further announcements on the Apprenticeships section of our website!
Please contact our Apprenticeship Team
on 01904 770368
or email apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
for more information
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York College & University Centre’s Top 10 Apprenticeship Achievements in 2024
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1. 16.1% Higher Pass Rate than National Average
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The National Average Achievement Rate for Apprenticeships is 54.60%, but here at York College & University Centre we achieved 70.7% which is an amazing 16.1% higher than the national average!
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A 100% achievement pass rate for our Laboratory Technician and HR Support Level 3 apprentices; 95.5% for our Carpentry & Joinery Level 3 apprentices; 91.7% for our Business Administration apprentices and 90.9% for our Motor Vehicle Level 3 apprentices; 88.9% Plumbing and 81.3% for Hairdressing Level 2
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3. Training Provider of the Year 2024
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Named Training Provider of the Year at the 2024 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
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Craft Carpentry and Architectural Joinery student Jack Corner won the 2024 SkillBuild National Final in Milton Keynes, where Adam Lee (Stonemasonry) and Jack Simpson (Furniture and Cabinet Making) also placed third.
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4. 2024 SkillBuild Winners
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5. Institute of Carpenters Winner
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Craft Carpentry and Architectural Joinery student David Walker won the Institute of Carpenters’ Third Year Robert Rampley Memorial Prize for Craftsmanship.
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Hospitality Team Member student Abbie Newsam was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards and won a place on the prestigious Concord Hotels’ Management Development Programme.
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6. Intermediate Apprenticeship of the Year 2024 Winner
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7. Construction Apprentice of the Year 2024 Winner
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Craft Carpentry and Architectural Joinery student Harrison Blackham named Construction Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
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Plumbing apprentice Reuben Philpott was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 York Press Business Awards.
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8. York Press Business Awards Winner
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9. Northern Region SkillBuild Winners
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Ainsley Fernandes (Painting & Decorating) and Antony Whitehead (Stonemasonry) were 2024 Northern Regional Heat SkillBuild winners
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Bricklaying apprentice Harry Stevenson won the New to Competition category at the Yorkshire Regional final of the Guild of Bricklayers competition
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10. Guild of Bricklayers Winner
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Sponsorship Opportunities for YouYork College & University Centre is pleased to offer a wide range of specialised partner sponsorship packages that go beyond just supporting education:
- Supporting our annual Graduation Ceremony, REACH Awards and Construction Awards. These are all major events in the College calendar offering an opportunity for students and apprentices, family and friends, College staff and local employers to come together to celebrate the hard work and achievements of students and apprentices.
- College sports packages – including student team sports kits, general events and training costs and specific outstanding College students within a range of sporting disciplines.
- Partnership display areas – available across college or within areas relevant to students pursuing careers in your industry sector – recent examples include our Construction & Engineering ‘brick wall’ and our training restaurant, The Cookery, ‘plate wall’ displays both imprinted with local company logos.
- Customised packages to promote your company through targeted curriculum areas or workshops, specifically aimed at students pursuing careers in your industry sector.
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Have you heard about our Hygiene Bank?
For the past few years, the Well-being Team has been providing essential hygiene products to students in need, ensuring that financial hardship does not become a barrier to basic self-care. This initiative has been a vital support system for those facing difficult circumstances, including homelessness and economic challenges.
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Thanks to sponsorship this year supported by a range of College initiatives through the College Partnerships Team, we are delighted to announce that this provision has been extended. The Hygiene Bank offer is now available to all bursary-eligible students, and we have been able to actively promote this resource more widely. Students in need can now access essential items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant, helping to maintain dignity and well-being during challenging times.
We are committed to continuing and expanding this vital service in the future. With additional support and funding, we hope to grow the Hygiene Bank, ensuring that even more students have access to these essential products when they need them most.
If your organisation would like to support the college Hygiene Bank initiative with sponsorship or donations please contact partnerships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
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Join Us for Upcoming Employer Advisory Groups at York College & University Centre
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At York College & University Centre, we take pride in fostering strong relationships with local businesses, ensuring we provide our students and apprentices with the skills and opportunities that meet industry needs. One of the key ways we do this is through our Employer Advisory Groups (EAGs).
EAGs are vital in helping us stay aligned with developments and challenges in various sectors. They offer a platform for employers to share insights, explore partnership opportunities, and stay informed about our College's latest developments.
We have more EAG events lined up in the coming weeks that may be of interest – with more to follow:
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Digital & Media Employer Advisory Group
Thursday, 6th March 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Construction Employer Advisory Group
Friday, 7th March 2025 | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Sports & Fitness Employer Advisory Group
Friday, 14th March 2025 | 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Science & Associated Industries Employer Advisory Group
Friday, 14th March 2025 | 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Hospitality & Tourism Employer Advisory Group
Thursday 20th March 2025 | 8.00AM - 9.15AM The Cookery Training Restaurant
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If you would like to take part in any of these Employer Advisory Groups or EAGs in other areas and/or discuss any partnerships opportunities including apprenticeships, student placements, site visits and industry talks to name a few, then please contact partnerships@yorkcollege.ac.uk |
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Check out our wide range of Business and Professional Short Courses
Did you know that we offer a wide range of short 1-2 day courses? Here are just some of our upcoming courses:
Microsoft Power BI - 24th February 2025
Excel Intermediate - 25th February 2025
Introduction to Coaching - 4th March 2025
Introduction to Management & Supervisory Skills (2 day course) - 10th and 11th April 2025
Introduction to Excel - 15th April 2025
Excel Advanced - 14th April 2025
Please email apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk for further information or to book a place. Further dates are available. |
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Bespoke courses also availableWe can also create tailored bespoke courses to suit the needs of your business. These can be delivered on campus, or at your own premises, whichever is most convenient for you. If you have any ideas regarding a course that would help your business, please get in touch. We'd be very happy to help! Click here to find out more
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Look out for new exciting courses coming soon! |
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