Bradford College wins at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards

The College received the accolade at the inaugural West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. These awards recognise the hardworking individuals and organisations involved in apprenticeships across the county and how they are helping to shape the future.

The announcement came at a glittering award ceremony held at Bradford City Football Club’s McCall Suite.

Shortlisted individuals, employers, and education providers attended the awards dinner to celebrate the success of apprenticeships across the region.

Former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration co-hosted the awards with this year’s winner of TV’s The Apprentice, West Yorkshire’s Harpreet Kaur.

Kelly McAllister, Head of Apprenticeships and Business Development at Bradford College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Bradford College was recognised as the top Apprenticeship Training Provider at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.

“It reflects the hard work and dedication of all our staff, who work tirelessly to train, support, and assess apprentices at Bradford College and in the workplace.

“Apprenticeships are a critical training pathway for many industries, now more than ever, and we will continue to ensure more individuals achieve rewarding and long-lasting careers.”

Bradford College supports up to 1,600 apprentices across approximately 900 employers on programme at any one time in Bradford and the wider Leeds City Region. A dedicated team of employer engagement staff are responsible for the account management of all employer partners.

In 2019 the College established the Future Technology Board to ensure that curriculum meets the current and future needs of employers.

From this, six vocational hubs were formed with members of industry bodies and are now ensuring the apprenticeship skills that are developed meet the requirements of regional employers and the Skills for Growth agenda.

Bradford College faced stiff competition against Wakefield College, another finalist in the ‘Training Provider/Programme of the Year’ awards category.

Sponsored by Occupational Awards Ltd (the awarding body and approved end-point assessment organisation), the award was judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

#WYApprenticeshipAwards

Meet our apprentices:

* LUCY, who is a Level 1 Hairdressing Apprentice at Cheney Square, says:

“I decided to choose Bradford College to complete my hairdressing apprenticeship as two other staff members did their apprenticeships there and had a really good experience, so I decided to follow in their footsteps.

"It’s been really beneficial at college, using the same tools as we use in the salon.

"We also have theory sessions where we learn about hair molecules and hair structure which is really helpful.

"After being a Saturday girl for years, I only really had experience of doing shampooing but now I am doing full head colours, highlights, and one-length cuts.

Lucy is enjoying her hairdressing apprenticeship

"The apprenticeship helped me become more professional with customers.

"We have trained in consultation and that has taught me how to speak to customers and best advise them.

"I have found Bradford College really supportive. All the facilities are up to date and modern - it’s just a good environment to learn with nice people.”

* Dominica - a Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprentice at Villa Dental - says:

“I've found that an apprenticeship is a really great way to start your career because you’re learning on the job, but at the same time you get your college days as well. The combination of both definitely makes it more fun.

"I think it is really important to get support from both the workplace and your tutor too. It gives you confidence and makes you feel like you’re doing a good job.

"The tutors at Bradford College are really helpful. Whenever you have any questions or queries, they are happy to help.

"When I started my apprenticeship, which wasn’t long ago, I had no confidence and was petrified of everything, but I am much more confident now both in general and in the workplace with all the treatments I carry out. Bradford College have helped me a lot.”

* CHARLES - who is a Level 2 Engineering Apprentice at Don Whitley Scientific - says:

“It’s such an advantage learning on the job as well as the learning that college provide.

"We have a mentor scheme that was set up a couple of months ago within the workplace where we have two mentors across the department who have all the knowledge and skills that we need to complete production work.

Charles is an engineering apprentice

"So, learning from them as well as learning at Bradford College has been really beneficial as you learn the applied skills on the job and the theory that you learn at college. I aspire to complete my Level 2 Apprenticeship, then work towards become a Level 4 Apprentice."