Meet the new Head of Apprenticeships, Business & Community at Bath College

Bath College has appointed a new Head of Apprenticeships, Business & Community.

Paul Gilmore has worked at Bath College for 16 years, starting as a lecturer in joinery before progressing to Head of Technology in 2018 and into his new role this Spring.

His new remit is to oversee the development of Apprenticeships, Love2Learn leisure courses, free courses and Adult Community Learning.

Bath College is the largest provider of apprenticeships in B&NES, so Paul’s first objective is to work with local businesses to develop the apprenticeship provision to suit local demands.

How do you plan to improve quality of delivery of apprenticeships?

By ensuring the apprenticeship is tailored accordingly to suit the needs of the employers and the individual, the apprenticeship will be planned in a partnership with the employer to make sure that a high level of training take place at college and whilst the apprentice is in the workplace. The progress of the apprentice will be closely tracked and monitored by the assessment team to ensure the development and skills of the apprentices meet employer’s needs and the training needs of the apprentice. The college is also committed to providing high quality facilities for all college based training which is complimented by highly qualified staff who undertake regular continuous professional updating.

How do you plan to improve communication with employers?

We aim to provide an effective and timely recruitment service to our employers to meet their requirements and organisational needs, communication with the employer will take place frequently as part of the apprentice’s progress reviews meetings. We value input from our employers as this helps shape and develop our apprenticeship offer.

How is Bath College meeting employers’ needs?

The college will continue to review its apprenticeship offer in collaboration with our employer network to ensure it is fit for purpose and meets our local, regional and national economic needs and skills shortages. As a college we are aware the changing landscape in the workforce and we remain committed to training and upskilling employees and apprentices that benefits our employers and the relevant sectors.

What benefits do apprentices get from their Bath College apprenticeships?

Any Bath College apprentice will be fully supported and guided through their apprenticeship programme which will encourage the individual to take ownership over their own development and career progression. The additional advantages of being an apprentice ranges from earning whilst being trained and receiving a national recognised qualification at the end of apprenticeship programme.

Paul Gilmore, Head of Apprenticeships, Business & Community, Bath College