April, who works for Newcastle City Council, has joined the college’ s Apprenticeship Academy that focuses on meeting the needs of apprentices and their employers.

She said:“ The programme has provided an excellent opportunity, opening new doors to my career. I’ ve improved my skills and experienced different workplaces including maintenance and building sites. I’ m a lot closer to my goal of becoming a qualified brick layer and gaining full-time employment thanks to this experience and the support from Northumberland College.”

The new academy sees apprenticeship support officers and assessors for all subjects working more closely together.

Susan Goldstein, director of the Apprenticeship Academy said:“ Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for employers to recruit and further develop staff with the skills and expertise needed for their organisation’ s success.

“ For individuals, regardless of their age or background, apprenticeships offer access to structured industry-standard learning and qualifications. Successful apprenticeships are delivered by a robust and cohesive partnership between employer, apprentice and the college. The Apprenticeship Academy will ensure that each partner is clear about their responsibilities and opportunities within this process. Our aim is to support as many apprentices as we can in achieving their career and educational goals and at the same time help employers to meet current and future skills needs.”

Northumberland College offers more than 40 different apprenticeships at Level 2, 3 and 4.

The college has invested more than £ 10m in modern learning facilities, plus recently received further funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership for a £ 2.5m science, technology, engineering and maths( STEM) centre, which will open later this year.

National figures show that for every £ 1 of government investment in Level 2 or 3 apprenticeships, there is typically a return of £ 26 to £ 28 and that someone with a Higher Apprentice( Level 4) could earn £ 150,000 more on average over their lifetime.

The Apprenticeship Academy, working in partnership with the college’ s Business Training Solutions team provides bespoke information, advice and support to employers and their apprentices.

The team is currently offering a series of free events for employers to guide them through the new government Apprenticeship Levy and other apprenticeship changes. From 6th April 2017, the levy will see all employers with an annual payroll over £ 3million, contribute to apprenticeship training at a rate of 0.5 %.

Employers wishing to find out more may contact the College’ s Business Training Solutions team on 0170 841 268 or email training @ northland. ac. uk

Checkatrade ambassador, TV personality and DIY and construction expert Craig Phillips promoted apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week( 6th to 10th March).