HARTLEPOOL College of Further Education has been named as the second best provider in the country for apprentices.
In the recently-published league table of general Further Education College performances, Hartlepool College has jumped from seventh place to second after impressive performances over the last academic year.
Across the period 2014/15, a total of 85.7 per cent of Hartlepool College students achieved their apprenticeship framework, just 1.4 per cent behind table-topping Epping Forest College in the Skills Funding Agency rankings.
Darren Hankey, Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education, was thrilled with the news.
He said: “We are obviously delighted with the announcement and to be placed in such a high position in this table simply highlights the hard work being done by staff, students and employers.
“There’s a lot of coverage regarding apprenticeships at the moment especially at the idea as seeing them as an alternative to A’ Levels. Our track record shows that taking this route is very effective, not only for the apprentices themselves but for the employers who can train the students and mould them into an employee who fits straight into their workforce.
“We have built up excellent relationships with hundreds of local and regional employers over the years, and it is fantastic that Hartlepool College of Further Education remains their first port of call when they look at their recruitment programmes.
“We are the second biggest apprenticeship provider in the North East region with fantastic engineering and aerospace programmes, as well as everything from plumbing to design, so to be recognised nationally is a great achievement for us.”
Greg Robson, Head of Training, Development and Organisation at Caterpillar Peterlee, praised the College for the latest performance.
He said: “Over the last six years we have continued to work with Hartlepool College of Further Education for the delivery of all Caterpillar Peterlee apprenticeships.
“The College is a fantastic facility that not only supports students through their qualifications but also teaches them values, in particular taking accountability in the quality of their work and being responsible for working in a safe environment.
“Everyone at Caterpillar Peterlee offers their congratulations to the College.”
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Hartlepool College of Further Education, call 01429 295111 or visit www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk.