More than half of the places at a new skills academy have already been taken within the first month of its opening.

The Apprentice and Skills Academy at the City of Bristol College was recently launched and is working with employers in the South West and nationally. There are opportunities for 3,000 places for young people, 1,600 of which have already been filled.

Its objective is to improve vocational training and skills development. Students participate in a course, split between being tutored in the classroom, and practical learning through attendance of a work placement.

Claire Arbery, Apprenticeships Manager said: “We’re delighted that within the first four weeks we’ve already recruited 1,600 young people to join our apprenticeship programmes. The College will work with local employers over the rest of the year to secure more training places for young people and encourage the skills development of the Bristol workforce.”

The City of Bristol College Principal, Keith Elliot, announced the launch of the new academy at the first Apprentice of the Year awards ceremony, held at Colston Hall in Bristol.

Elliot said: “Developing and nurturing young talent and skills is vital for Bristol, the local community and the region. The Apprenticeship and Skills Academy will support people as they move into the 21st Century workforce, and will facilitate links with businesses in the region. The awards ceremony highlighted the great achievements and opportunities already created through apprenticeships.”

The academy aims to offer over three thousand pupils the opportunity to get practical experience through its courses and: “It formally recognises the practice and focus we are placing on practical skills development,” he added. 

Sir Alan Sugar’s first apprentice who appeared on the television show, Tim Campbell, attended the awards evening and congratulated the apprentice award winners on their achievements. “The beauty of an apprenticeship is that it gives young people on and off the job training. You get support from the employer, real tangible skills and a bit of money in your pocket which is an important motivator for young people. What we can do with Apprenticeships is to open the minds of young people to what is actually possible to demystify the world of work,” he said. 

The best achievements of the apprentices in the region were divided into ten categories. These included; business administration, beauty therapy, carpentry, painting and decorating, plumbing, electrical installation, engineering, hairdressing, motor vehicle and professional cookery.

The apprenticeships comprise of a National Vocational Qualification, Technical Certificate and Key Skills in the relevant area.

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