News: RCAT open doors to a better future

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) is finding success in the campaign to generate 100 Apprenticeship vacancies in 100 days within South Yorkshire. The College's aim is to provide free advice and recruitment support to employers in all sectors, enabling them to become familiar with the opportunities that the Apprenticeships programme can bring to an organisation.

The "100 in 100" Apprenticeship campaign, which runs from February to May 2011, was launched by The National Apprenticeship Service and the Rotherham Work and Skills Board in collaboration with training providers.

Natalie Davies, Business Development Manager for Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, said: "The Employer Engagement team have generated a substantial number of Apprenticeship vacancies across all sectors, with employers keen to support the 100/100 campaign.

"Employers are looking to attract motivated and enthusiastic people wanting to learn and build the foundations of their career."

Rotherham-based Pollywiggle Day Nursery are on the list of employers supporting the 100 in 100 campaign and are currently looking to recruit a new childcare apprentice. Their decision to do so was partly influenced by Nursery Manager Kelly Wright's first-hand experience of the scheme.

She said: "I myself came through the apprenticeship route. I can see the excellent benefits to the learner and the nursery by following this route. The support network I had as an apprentice was fantastic and we would like to deliver the same to our apprentices."

Kirsty Hanberry, Business Development Manager at the nursery added: "From the initial introduction with Rotherham College of Arts and Technology they have been able to support all our needs. The whole process from the initial meeting, identifying apprenticeships as a way to develop the business, to sourcing additional qualified staff has been a seamless process that has been delivered in fantastic timescales allowing us to concentrate on the day to day running".

"We are keen to utilise the Apprenticeship route. We feel this will be an exciting venture for the Nursery and are really eager to take this forward."

RCAT has a wide variety of pathways available for apprentices to start now ranging from Electrical Engineering to Health and Social Care.

RCAT website

Images: rotherham.ac.uk