40 firms sign up to College apprentices' higher eduction course (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

40 firms sign up to College apprentices' higher eduction course

11:00am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Dolores Cowburn, Bradford Chief Reporter

Nearly 40 companies have signed up to a Bradford College course for their apprentices to learn more about the construction industry, Six months ago the College became one of the first in the UK to offer the new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment (Sustainability) course endorsed by the Government.

Now many students will be starting university-level work-based training at the college.

The college spokesman Joe Richetta said: “Construction firms, house builders, architects, NHS Trusts, local Councils and transport companies are just a few industries that have apprentices signed up to the course which is helping to shape the future of the construction industry.

“It’s extremely encouraging that the construction industry has embraced the Higher Apprenticeships which such enthusiasm. A lot of thought went into the development of this qualification which was developed with employers, colleges, universities and all the leading sector skills councils in order to add real value to the industry by creating a skilled workforce that is productive and can help businesses to grow.

“At a time when University fees have spiralled, the course provides an extremely dynamic alternative which demonstrates all the latest methods of design, construction and maintenance.”

The course has been specifically designed for A-level students with 80 or more UCAS points, Level 3 Advanced Apprentices, those with BTECs, a relevant HNC or people already working in the industry. The first students to enrol on the course started in September but places are available for September 2013 enrolment.

Lee Firth, technical programme manager at NG Bailey, which has enrolled several students on the first course, said: “This course offers all the sustainability competencies that are key to the future of the industry whilst maintaining the core requirements that are essential in construction management which makes it a highly relevant framework.

“There’s no doubt it will encourage talented new people into the industry and help to produce quality employees that meet the standard academically and can deliver in the workplace.”

The students will study towards an NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management (Sustainability) and a Higher National Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment as well as selecting Construction Management, Civil Engineering or Building Services as a specialist subject.

Successful participants will be able to pursue a career in architecture, building services, civil engineering, construction management, maintenance, planning and surveying.

For further information visit hasbe.co.uk or bradfordcollege.ac.uk or call (01274) 433035.

National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place until Friday is marking how apprenticeships help young people, adults, businesses and the economy.