This week, HSDC has been joining educational institutions and businesses across the country to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week! Every year, this week provides a fantastic opportunity for the College to champion Apprenticeships through a range of events and promotion that shows just how valuable these dynamic qualifications are.
HSDC delivers Apprenticeships across multiple sectors – from Engineering to Catering, Early Years and Business, offering progressive routes from Level 2 to Level 5 whilst working closely with regional and national employers to meet real skills needs. Apprentices benefit from paid, hands-on work, with at least 20% off-the-job training at the College, ensuring they build industry-ready knowledge, skills, confidence and behaviours.
Ofsted’s latest report praised HSDC’s strong contribution to meeting local and regional skills needs through these Apprenticeships and the College’s deep engagement with stakeholders, ensuring that curricula reflects contemporary industry practice.
HSDC’s NAW26 Business Breakfast.
This week, HSDC hosted a special Apprenticeship Business Breakfast, bringing together employers, Apprentices and work-based trainers to network, share best practice and explore sector-specific opportunities. The breakfast was cooked by HSDC’s incredible catering students, and welcomed a panel of guest speakers who shared their experiences with Apprenticeships and spoke about the importance of these in the future.
Apprentices at HSDC benefit from a caring college community that offers them both wellbeing and career guidance support, allowing them to make the informed decisions to shape their career.
HSDC is an FE College that truly leads on a national stage when it comes to Apprenticeships, as we proudly celebrated becoming the UK’s first FE College to offer Funeral Care Apprenticeships nationally over the past year. In its first year, this vital Apprenticeship recorded a flawless 100% Distinction rate, with Apprentices praising the practical relevance and compassionate framework that had been embedded into their training.
Helen Hannah completed her Funeral Care apprenticeship with HSDC and Southern Co-Operative.
Helen Hannah, who works for Southern Co-Operative Funeralcare, said:
“Anyone who has the chance to take up this apprenticeship really should – it’s a great way to earn whilst you learn, and can only improve your knowledge, skills and behaviours. Now that I have completed my apprenticeship, I feel much more confident and am able to go about my role with a higher degree of professionalism and understanding.”
HSDC looks forward to continuing the celebration of our fantastic Apprentices and work-based educators throughout the rest of National Apprenticeship Week, culminating in the highly anticipated Apprenticeship Awards at the end of the week!
For learners who are eager to earn, learn and build a future-proof career, or for employers looking to develop their workforce, please click the link below for more information about Apprenticeships at HSDC: https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/study-with-us/apprenticeships/