“Outstanding” Nelson and Colne College has been named number one in the country for its 16-18 apprenticeship provision across all levels.
Measured against other FE Colleges, the latest National Achievement Rate Tables place the Barrowford-based College top for its work with apprentices, aged between 16 and 18. The new figures also reveal NCC is second in the country for overall apprenticeship provision, overall classroom learning, and 16-18 classroom learning for all levels.
The latest achievements come after the College topped the Department for Education’s School and College Performance Table earlier this year for the progress students make in their A Level studies – as well as “top in the area” for vocational studies. It was also named “outstanding across the board” in the newest ALPS report, outstanding in its most recent Ofsted, and following its latest results it once again maintained a 100% pass rate for both A Levels and vocational studies.
Principal of NCC Amanda Melton said: “To be named first in the country for our 16-18 apprenticeship success is an incredible achievement, and I am, as always, so proud of Nelson and Colne College’s staff and students for continually going above and beyond in their work and studies.
“We are passionate about making sure each student is on the right pathway – be it an apprenticeship, a vocational course, or A Levels – so they are as prepared as possible for their future upon leaving College. Thanks also to employers across East Lancashire, who are supporting and benefitting from Apprenticeships within their company. We pride ourselves on the Pre-Apprenticeship Support we offer at NCC, to ensure students have the right skills to meet the recruitment needs of businesses. This includes individualised advice, guidance and support, industry specific qualifications and an opportunity to complete certain key skills essential for employment.”
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, which lead to students gaining a nationally recognised qualification. They are available in more than 170 industries, and at NCC programmes are offered in a wide range of areas, from Beauty Therapy, to Catering, to Business Administration. NCC recently hosted an Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony, to recognise star apprentices and employers – including East Lancashire Healthcare Trust, Hycrome (Europe) Ltd and Marsden Building Society.
Cameron Monk, an NCC Engineering apprentice, who is completing his placement with Hope Technology, said: “It is great news to hear that NCC has been named the number one FE College for 16-18 apprenticeship success. As an apprentice myself, I have been given all the support I need from NCC staff and my employer to fulfil my ambitions of eventually working in Hope’s research and development department.
“I feel this accolade is well deserved and I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone who enjoys practical learning and being in a work environment.”
For more information about studying at one of the top colleges in the country contact 01282 440272 or to see the full range of courses on offer visit www.nelson.ac.uk
