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WIRRAL MET COLLEGE AND WIRRAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF 100 APPRENTICESHIP PLEDGES IN 100 DAYS CAMPAIGN
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and Wirral Met College are delighted to announce the successful accomplishment of their ambitious goal of securing 100 apprenticeship pledges within a span of 100 working days .
Working in partnership , the organisations have reached this milestone , marking a significant achievement in their commitment to fostering vocational training and educational opportunities for aspiring apprentices .
As a result of the scheme , small to medium sized employers across Wirral and the wider Liverpool City Region have gained much-needed financial support for the recruitment of apprentices , as well as receiving training and development for existing employees to support their progression within the organisation .
The campaign garnered substantial attention and support from local businesses , demonstrating their dedication to investing in the development of the future workforce . Employers across diverse industries have recognised the value of apprenticeships in nurturing talent and bridging the gap between education and practical skills in the workplace .
WUTH Chief People Officer Debs Smith said : “ We are really pleased that our innovative partnership with Wirral Met College has benefited so many local employers and our community . As the largest employer on Wirral , employing over 6500 staff , we have a vested interest in supporting our local residents into employment and investing in skills in the wider economy .
“ We have so many job opportunities outside of what you might expect in a hospital in terms of doctors and nurses , as we have roles in estates , admin and finance for example – so developing a talent pool is vital ”
Gill Banks , Principal and CEO at Wirral Met College stated : “ We are immensely proud of achieving our target of 100 apprenticeship pledges . Through this initiative , we ’ ve witnessed first-hand the transformative impact apprenticeships have on both individuals and employers , bridging the gap between education and industry needs . We remain dedicated to continuing this journey , providing valuable opportunities for apprentices and supporting businesses in shaping a skilled workforce for the future .”
Furthermore , apprentices who have benefited from this initiative expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunities afforded to them . Gas Engineering Operative Apprentice , Jordan Taylor , who started his apprenticeship with Opulent Plumbing & Heating earlier this year said :
“ I have learnt so much since I started my apprenticeship and the additional training at college has been brilliant . I ’ m expanding my knowledge and gaining practical skills and I ’ m excited to see what the future holds .”
Despite achieving the initial target of 100 , opportunities for apprenticeships are still available . Employers and individuals interested in accessing the funding and participating in this initiative are encouraged to get in touch to explore apprenticeship opportunities . For more information about how to get involved , visit : https :// www . wmc . ac . uk / apprenticeships
LJLA OPENS AIRPORT SENSORY SPACE TO HELP PASSENGERS BEFORE JETTING OFF
Liverpool John Lennon Airport and their passenger assistance partner ABM have opened a sensory space in the Airport departure lounge to help those passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment to relax and acclimatise to the busy airport environment before they fly off from the airport .
The sensory space cost over £ 35,000 to develop and offers a calming , therapeutic and relaxing space for children and adults with autism and other special needs and has been created in partnership with local community business Autism Adventures and Alder Hey hospital , with their specialist advise helping to create a space that caters for families living with Autism before they depart on their holiday flight from Liverpool .
Having topped the latest 2023 Which ? UK Airport survey in recognition of its high levels of customer satisfaction , it is not just able-bodied passengers that the Airport has been working hard to give the best possible passenger experience to ; it has also been focussing on the needs of those passengers often deterred from travelling by air due to a range of disabilities , helping to make air travel accessible to all .
The development of a sensory space at the airport forms part of work carried out in partnership with a host of disability organisations who provide advice and support , including many that specialise in hidden disabilities . The Airport also works closely with its passenger assistance provider ABM who help to make the journey through the Airport for passengers requiring assistance , as pleasant and relaxed as possible whatever their needs .
LJLA has been rated as offering the highest ‘ Very Good ’ service by the UK Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) in their latest report on Airport services across the UK for disabled and less mobile passengers .
The Sensory Space is wheelchair accessible and is located near to the picnic area in the departure lounge and is open for bookings to be made between 0800 to 1800 daily .
Paul Staples , Operations Director for LJLA commented : “ We know that heading off on holiday and being able to enjoy the journey can be challenging for some of our passengers , particularly families with someone who has a sensory or cognitive impairment . This space is a great facility and we would like to thank Autism Adventures and Alder Hey Hospital for all their help and advice in creating this space , which we ’ re confident will make a difference , helping families have a more relaxed start to their journey . By working with a host of disability organisations , we have continued the work we have been doing to enable passengers with a wide range of disabilities to take advantage of flying from Liverpool .”
Jim Niblock , ABM Aviation Managing Director said : “ We ’ re delighted to collaborate with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and introduce a sensory space to help passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment . ABM is dedicated to ensuring the airport experience is positive for everyone , and this new setting reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity .”
The Sensory Space is free to use by families , but passengers need to book use of the facility in advance and are asked to contact the Customer Services team at the airport to book a time , by emailing them at : customerservices @ liverpoolairport . com
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