Leeds City College wins sixth tender, aiming to boost region’s workforce by 2021

Leeds City College (@leedscitycoll) has been awarded the Improvement Technician Apprenticeship programme, after winning its sixth tender through Health Education England (HEE). 

Earlier in the year, the college became one of six providers in the North East & Yorkshire region to be awarded the customer service, healthcare cleaning operative, pharmacy and health play specialist apprenticeship standards.

The 15 month Level 3 programme will provide learners with a practical and affordable opportunity to develop their skills, while giving employers leeway to train their existing workforce in line with their company goals.

Improvement technicians are often responsible for the delivery and coaching of improvement activity within an area of responsibility, often associated with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. They are found across all industry sectors and functions, including automotive, banking, engineering, food products, IT, property, retail and telecom.

The bespoke programme will develop the core skills needed to identify and implement workplace improvement processes.

Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships at Leeds City College said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded another key apprenticeship standard. This year alone has been a fantastic opportunity to grow our provision, enabling us to offer a varied list of apprenticeships that learners and employers alike can benefit from.

“Apprenticeships have become more important than ever. At the centre of our objectives is getting apprentices on their path to building a long and successful career in their chosen sector.

Lee said that around 100 people will benefit from training and the programme is not limited to the West Yorkshire region. 

“This new apprenticeship is an exciting development for the college in delivering highly-skilled apprentices who will shape a wide range of sectors post-Covid.”

The college, which launched its 100 in 100 campaign in November, aims to get 100 apprentices hired by February 2021. So far, they have placed 54 apprentices in sectors that include healthcare, engineering and business administration. With an additional apprenticeship standard added to their roster, it will open up a wide range of opportunities for apprentices looking to become improvement technician experts.

The government has recently extended its apprenticeship scheme to 31 March 2021. Businesses are being given £2,000 for every under-25 year old they take on as an apprentice to help protect young people entering the workforce. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment for new apprentices between the ages of 16-18. Employers can apply for the payment until 30 April 2021.

For more about the apprenticeship and how to apply email [email protected]