General
NWSLC expands apprenticeship provision to meet growing engineering and automotive skills demand.
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is expanding its apprenticeship offer with a new range of specialist engineering, manufacturing and motor vehicle apprenticeships, designed to respond directly to the skills needs of employers across the region.
The new courses open for applications now consist of Level 3 apprenticeships in Motor Vehicle, Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician, and Machining Technician. A Level 4 apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacturing Technician is also open for applications.
The new apprenticeships strengthen NWSLC’s offer in sectors where highly skilled technical employees are in demand, providing employers with a way to develop the specialist talent they need while giving apprentices the opportunity to earn, learn and gain valuable industry experience.
In particular, the introduction of the Level 3 and Level 4 engineering and manufacturing standards means NWSLC is able to support learners at a range of stages, from developing technical skills through to advanced engineering and maintenance roles. The expanded provision also places the College among the limited number of providers in the region able to offer these specialist apprenticeship pathways.
Further to this, NWSLC has also forged a powerful strategic alliance with Coventry University to deliver a seamless progression pathway into high-demand Level 6 degree apprenticeships in advanced digital and automotive engineering sectors, utilising a shared “skills escalator” model that enables regional learners to smoothly transition from local technical education straight into higher-level university degree apprenticeships and top-up programmes. The collaboration also offers a direct pathway into healthcare.
Aysha Beeson, from NWSLC’s Business Engagement Team, said: “Our expanded apprenticeship offer has been developed with the needs of employers firmly in mind. We know that businesses across engineering, manufacturing and automotive need people with the right technical skills, practical experience and knowledge to help their organisations grow.
“These new Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships give employers another way to develop the talent they need, while offering individuals a clear route into skilled and rewarding careers. We are particularly pleased to be expanding our provision in specialist engineering areas where there are relatively few training providers available locally.”
Apprenticeships combine employment with structured training. Apprentices are paid employees, working for a minimum of 30 hours a week while working towards their apprenticeship standard qualification. Training can take place in the workplace, online or at college, depending on the programme, with delivery potentially including day release or block learning.
The College is inviting prospective apprentices, parents, careers advisers and employers to find out more about the new opportunities at its Opening Evening on Thursday 15 October.
The event will provide an opportunity to meet the College’s apprenticeship and curriculum teams, discover more about the new engineering, manufacturing and motor vehicle standards, and find out how apprenticeships can support both career development and workforce planning.
With apprenticeship cohorts starting throughout the year, prospective apprentices do not necessarily need to wait until September to begin their journey. Those who cannot find a suitable vacancy can also join NWSLC’s apprenticeship Talent Pool, helping them to stay informed about new opportunities and find a suitable employer.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive at NWSLC, said: “We are particularly proud to be expanding our provision at both Level 3 and Level 4, creating clear progression routes for apprentices as they develop their technical knowledge and expertise. As a college recognised by Ofsted as ‘Strong for Skills’, we are focused on delivering training that responds directly to local and regional skills needs and helps our learners, apprentices and employer partners to succeed.”
Employers interested in finding out how an apprenticeship could help them recruit and develop their future workforce can also speak to NWSLC’s Business Engagement Team.
For further information about NWSLC apprenticeships, including current vacancies and how to apply email: [email protected] or visit the College’s apprenticeship information page: https://www.nwslc.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/
NWSLC is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted with the highest accolade of ‘Strong for Skills’ recognising the college’s positive contribution and responsiveness to meeting the local skills need, and ‘Outstanding’ for student Behaviour and Attitudes.
For more details on what is on offer at NWSLC and how to apply, visit: