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National Apprenticeship Week 7 – 13th February 2022

Written on 8th February 2022

Our nine Greater Manchester colleges are currently supporting over 5000 students to achieve apprenticeships across our region. With the skills gap widening nationwide, apprenticeships directly bridge that gap by helping people of all ages to gain employment and learn new skills.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are showcasing a selection of fantastic students who are undertaking apprenticeships at our Further Education Colleges across Greater Manchester

Izzy Hampson

Bolton College

Level 4 Accounting Apprenticeship

Working at Bolton Council

“Initially I tried university but it wasn’t for me; being an apprentice feels like a much better route to a career as an accountant because I’m gaining the right skills to progress.”

Sam Dean

Wigan & Leigh College

Level 2 Plastering Apprentice

“I liked seeing how the skills I had learned at College could be applied in the workplace. I enjoyed learning new skills, and being on-site experiencing certain scenarios that you can’t replicate in a classroom is also a benefit for learning too.”

Sam also won gold at the national finals of the UK World Skills competition in plastering. In the future, Sam would like to own his own company in the future and possibly look into buying houses and doing them up to sell on.

Hanaan Akbar

Salford City College

Level 2 Financial Services Customer Advisor

Working at No.1 Copper Pot Credit Union

“I couldn’t have asked for a better company to work for or a better college to do my apprenticeship with. Whenever I needed something, the apprenticeship team would be very accessible and quick to set up a call or meeting to make sure everything was ok.”

Georgia Hingston

The Manchester College

Level 2 Engineering apprentice

Engineering Technician at Bush GTV

“I’ve benefited from the learning and training within my apprenticeship because it’s made my confidence grow. It’s a good opportunity because it allows you to learn as well as earn.”

Lucy Potts

Trafford College

Level 2 Apprentice Baker

Working at Freight Island 

Lucy Potts excelled during her time at Trafford College, studying Professional Pastry Chef Level 2 and progressing to Level 3. Her accomplishments include winning the bronze medal for the Confectionary & Patisserie category at the 2021 World Skills Competition.

As well as her studies, she has managed to land an apprenticeship working at the popular entertainment venue Freight Island where she was quickly promoted and trusted with managerial responsibilities at the age of 17.

“There were key skills I gained from studying at Trafford College that I believe helped me win the bronze medal at the World Skills Competition. Firstly, time management. Having perfected this skill during my college experience, it enabled me to set deadlines and push myself to present my best work within the competition’s timescale.”