Burnley College launches skills revolution for 800 apprentices (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley College launches skills revolution for 800 apprentices

10:30pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

AROUND 800 students are set to form a new generation of eager-to-learn apprentices in Burnley.

Bosses at Burnley College are behind the skills revolution with the launch of their new training division Themis.

Latest figures show the borough is second in the North West and fourth in the UK for apprenticeships growth.

And the move has won the backing of some of the area’s largest employers such as Silentnight, engineers Weston, textiles specialists Panaz and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Hugh Bramwell, college principal and Themis chief executive, said: “We operate one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship schemes in Lancashire, and the involvement of employers is crucial in providing the best possible guidance and career opportunities.

“In addition to training today’s workforce, we have a responsibility to help deliver the employable workforces of tomorrow.

“Themis is dedicated to the requirements of the business community and we pride ourselves on listening and responding to individual customer requirements in order to provide flexible, high quality business training and apprenticeships.

The development links in with Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle’s Parliamentary role as chairman of a group promoting apprenticeships.

Last week, it was revealed that 1,150 people started an apprenticeship in the borough last year – a 125 per cent rise on the 2010 total.

Mr Birtwistle said: “This is fantastic news for Burnley. Apprenticeships are a superb option – they make companies more productive and give young people the experience and skills they need.

“For us to be successful, people need the skills and experience to take advantage of new jobs being created in our area. Apprenticeships are a huge part of that.”

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