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13 February 2025

Southport MP, Patrick Hurley meets our Apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week 2025

In conversation with our Director of Apprenticeships, Shaun Hindle and Head of Studies, Rachael Brownhill, Patrick asked about the impact Apprenticeships have on the economy, funding options, and the importance of engaging with employers.

Shaun was delighted to explain all about the launch of Compete Apprenticeships to Patrick. Compete is Southport College’s exciting, new Apprenticeship brand, which is designed to provide high-quality training opportunities for learners and meet the needs of local businesses in Southport and the wider North West.

Patrick also met three Apprentices, Maisy Whalley and Lewis Topping, both L2 Accounting Apprentices and Tom Rowe, undertaking our Level 3 Management Apprenticeship. The Apprentices shared their experiences, highlighting the benefits of hands-on learning, workplace mentorship, and the career pathways available to them through their apprenticeships.

Patrick praised the initiative, emphasising the crucial role apprenticeships play in bridging the skills gap and providing young people with valuable career opportunities. He also commended Southport College for its commitment to delivering industry-relevant education and building strong relationships with employers in the region.

Shaun Hindle, our Director of Apprenticeships, added: “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase our new Compete Apprenticeships brand to Patrick and discuss the positive impact Apprenticeships have on both learners and employers. We look forward to continuing to expand our offer and supporting even more individuals in achieving their career goals.”

National Apprenticeship Week serves as a platform to celebrate the value of Apprenticeships and their contribution to the workforce. Southport College remains committed to providing outstanding apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both students and the local economy.

For more information, please contact us: info@competeapprenticeships.co.uk

11 February 2025

Spotlight on Level 5 Leadership & Management Apprentice at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we want to highlight one of our hardworking apprentices. Meet Louise, a Team Leader Speech and Language Therapist at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust.

Louise embarked on a Level 5 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship, whilst embracing a full time job and motherhood. With hard work, determination, and support from her mentors Marie and Sarah, she successfully completed her Apprenticeship with a Distinction, with new-found confidence in her leadership capabilities and managing a team.

Since completing her Apprenticeship, Louise has continued to thrive in her role, “I continue to lead the Liverpool Community Dysphagia Team and have lots of exciting ideas to make this team even stronger, and continue to give excellent patient care to the children and young people of Liverpool.”

If you’re interested in upskilling your current workforce or recruiting the next generation of talent, get in touch with us via info@competeapprenticeships.co.uk

10 February 2025

New Employers Onboarding Event

Employers from across the area, keen to learn more about Apprenticeships joined us at our Onboarding Event in Clouds Restaurant!

We reached out to employers who haven't yet employed an Apprentice, to Clouds Restaurant, Southport College on 10 February 2025.

Here they could find out more about the ins and outs of both taking on a new Apprentices or enrolling an existing member of staff onto one of our Apprenticeship Standards.

Whilst enjoying a complimentary lunch, employers such as Britannia Hotels, Home Instead and Dovehaven heard from our Director of Apprenticeships, Shaun Hindle and Head of Apprenticeships, Sarah Cramsie who explained all about the support we offer in starting to train an Apprentice.

They then meet the subject leaders from each of our programmes to find out the specifics and benefits of each pathway.

Finally, delegates then enjoyed a tour of the fantastic training facilities at Southport College where much of the Off-The-Job training takes place.

We were delighted to meet so many new faces and looking forward to launching lots of new Apprentices in the very near future!

4 February 2025

EPAO Morning

Southport College hosted our EPAO morning, strengthening the Apprenticeship offer to our students.

A host of End Point Assessment Organisations were invited in to speak to our Performance Coaches and End Point Assessors, offering advice and guidance to help them understand the vast amount of support they can provide.

There were proactive conversations about best practices, assessment preparation, and how we can work together to ensure the best outcomes for our apprentices. The event provided invaluable insights, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship experiences.

A huge thank you to all the EPAOs who attended and shared their expertise —we truly appreciate your support in shaping the future of our apprentices!

17 January 2025

Southport College student Ella Harper earns Apprentice Award

Southport College apprentice student Ella Harper has been awarded The Apprentice Award at the everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards 2024.

Ella has been recognised for making an exceptional contribution to her workplace UniPart, who she has been in employment with since 2020 as an apprentice toolmaker whilst completing a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician L3 apprenticeship at Southport College.

Ella has also been recognized for her inspiring work promoting her career path and wider STEM careers to young women through holding talks in local schools.

Speaking to her employer UniPart, she said: “When I was at school, jobs like the one I do today weren’t promoted to girls and during my whole career to date, I have never encountered another woman doing a similar job to mine. Not having had that role model or that person to go to early in my career, I’m passionate about showing young women that they can do anything and be that role model that I didn’t have as they start their development journeys and career paths.”

Originally starting her Southport College journey by completing an Engineering L2 qualification, she then progressed onto her Level 3 apprenticeship to further her expertise, professional confidence, and gain long term, hands-on work experience in the STEM industry.

Engineering tutor Kevin Toole says “I’m very proud of Ella. She has been a pleasure to teach, and I’m sure she will have a long and prosperous career as a tool maker.”

Southport College is incredibly proud of Ella and the incredible work ethic, dedication, and passion that she has shown not only in her apprenticeship but her work in promoting STEM fields to young girls in our local community. We wish her the best in completing her end-point assessment and we can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future!