HSDC has been confirmed as the top performing Further Education college for Apprenticeships in South Hampshire, following the publication of its 2024/25 Apprenticeship Quality Achievement Rate (QAR).
HSDC achieved an Apprenticeship QAR of 67.10%, outperforming the national average of 65.4%, and sitting significantly above the average performance of colleges across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. This result reinforces HSDC’s position as a regional leader in high-quality, employer-led education and training.
This achievement reflects the College’s future careers-first approach, ensuring that every apprentice is supported to not only achieve their qualification, but to progress into meaningful employment, higher-level training, or sustained career pathways. It is HSDC’s partnerships with local, regional and national employers that make the College’s Apprenticeship programmes so successful, as they are designed specifically to respond to skills needs.
The impact of this approach is reflected in high-quality learner experiences across the College, with James Stefanaras, Chef Apprentice, saying:
“When I first started at HSDC, I was a commis Apprentice, and my journey since then has been amazing! HSDC is a college that didn’t need me to change in order for me to fit in, they adapted to suit my needs! I was able to learn from the best chefs and have been able to hone my cookery skills as a result of this.”
Kurt Hintz, HSDC’s Interim Principal and CEO, spoke with pride about these exceptional results for the College’s Apprentices:
“We absolutely recognise how vital apprenticeships are to our learners, employers and the local economy, and remain committed to working closely with partners to deliver high-quality opportunities that meet skills needs now and in the future, including new pathways like in Artificial Intelligence.”
HSDC’s apprenticeship success is underpinned by high-quality teaching, personalised support, and deep-rooted employer partnerships alongside enrichment opportunities such as international placements, industry projects and progression-focused mentoring.
The College is proud to continue to invest in its apprenticeship provision to further strengthen outcomes for learners and employers alike, supporting economic growth across South Hampshire and ensuring local talent is prepared for the jobs of the future.