Newcastle College Awarded #Apprenticeship Contract with Global Manufacturer

Newcastle College has won a bid to become the primary apprenticeship provider for international laminate manufacturer Formica Group.

The College will deliver apprenticeships and added value training services to new and existing Formica Group staff at its North Shields headquarters across a wide range of job disciplines. Formica Group has more than 1,000 staff across Europe, including a 500-strong workforce in the North East. The partnership will strengthen the existing relationship that Newcastle College already has with the manufacturer.

Paul Willard, Head of Business Development at Newcastle College said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with an employer that has such a strong and successful heritage in the North East.

“In addition to delivering apprenticeships, we’re excited about working together to develop innovative training solutions in line with Formica Group’s business needs. ”

Victoria Scott, Formica Group’s European Talent & Reward Manager, said:

“Developing current employees is obviously critical for us. It is also important for us to engage with local schools and offer opportunities to young people coming into the workforce.

“The relationship with Newcastle College means we can develop current employees as well as recruit apprentices in the future. We have a team of 10 from Newcastle College who work with us and the time they have spent to get to know us and our requirements, build relationships with our teams and bring us new ideas has been first rate.“

Adrienne Bishop, Formica Group’s European Procurement Category Manager, said:

“After an extensive tender selection process, Newcastle College proved to be the best fit for our business. Working with local organisations where appropriate is something the Procurement Team feel strongly about and we are looking forward to a successful, mutually beneficial working relationship with the College over the coming months.”

Newcastle College looks to continuously strengthen its business partnerships activities and understands the importance of developing effective employer relationships. The College has recently been recognised for its commitment to industry collaboration with employers, winning the ‘Industry Collaboration and Vocational Education’ award at this year’s Educate North Awards.

Paul continued: “Our partnership with Formica Group is hugely important, not only for the College but for the apprentices that are going to be able to start their careers at one of the best manufacturers in the North East.”