Growing Ripon’s Future – Celebrating Local Apprenticeships
Harrogate College joined forces with local employers and community partners over the summer to shine a spotlight on apprenticeships and their power to strengthen local industries.
The Growing Ripon’s Future event, held earlier this year, brought together businesses, training providers and civic leaders to explore how apprenticeships can drive growth, boost skills and keep talent in the local area.
Supporting Local Opportunity
Lilla, Ripon BID Manager, emphasised how vital it is to create opportunities that help young people stay and thrive locally:
“At Ripon BID, it’s something we really encourage – young people having opportunities in Ripon. There’s a fantastic bus service to Harrogate, and we really want to see our young people given opportunities that keep them in the area and help our local economy thrive. Apprenticeships are a great way to do that – they’re flexible, open to adults as well, and they allow our independents to train up young people while managing costs.”
Building the Trades of Tomorrow
From the college side, staff and tutors shared their passion for apprenticeships and their impact on both learners and employers.
Electrical assessor Ben explained how the programme is designed to give apprentices vital, hands-on experience:
“We’re really building up our apprentices’ portfolios of evidence, helping them demonstrate their skills naturally in the workplace. My main passion is to build construction within the north and get people into trades – the apprentices of today will be the tradespeople of tomorrow.”
Louise Williams, Deputy Head of Apprenticeships, shared her personal connection:
“I was an apprentice 21 years ago. Sitting in a classroom wasn’t for me – I wanted to be hands-on and earn while I learned. That ethos hasn’t changed, even though we’re 20 years further down the line. Apprenticeships help businesses grow, whether by developing existing staff or bringing in new talent.”
Expanding Apprenticeships and Adult Learning
Nicola Nash, Deputy Director of Curriculum, highlighted how the college is expanding its apprenticeship and adult learning offer:
“We’ve been growing apprenticeships over the last few years and we’re adding even more, from pharmacy and accounting to property maintenance. Whether you’re leaving school or changing career as an adult, we’ve got a wide range of opportunities. We’ve also introduced short courses like community interpreting and social media marketing, running many of these right here in Ripon.”
Connecting Employers and Apprentices
Behind the scenes, Sue Roberts, Business Engagement and Work Placement Coordinator, connects learners and employers:
“I work with both employers and future apprentices – the goal is to bring the two together. We’ve introduced new courses like property maintenance and hairdressing, and we’re seeing lots of repeat business from employers who want to take on more apprentices after a successful first experience.”
And for learners who need extra support before moving into work or further study, course leader Robin spoke about the college’s Personal and Social Development course:
“It’s about enabling students who’ve had a difficult pathway through education to rebuild confidence and skills in a non-traditional way. Seeing them progress gives me so much joy – that’s why I’ve kept going.”
Looking ahead
With new apprenticeships launching this autumn and continued collaboration with local businesses, Growing Ripon’s Future showcased just how much potential there is when education and employers work hand-in-hand.
Harrogate College continues to support learners of all ages into skilled careers – building the workforce of tomorrow, right here in North Yorkshire.
To find out more about apprenticeships at Harrogate College, contact our team at apprenticeships@harrogate.ac.uk or call us on 01423 879 466
