The College is the largest provider of post-16 education in the region and currently supports over 1,000 apprentices working alongside more than 500 employers, from local businesses to global organisations. With apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors, including engineering, construction, health, digital, business, and more, the College provides students with practical, hands-on experience that equips them with the skills and confidence to progress in their careers.

Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College commented: “Being named the number one provider of apprenticeships in Cheshire & Warrington is a huge achievement for the College. We have worked extremely hard to build strong partnerships with over 500 employers across the region, ensuring that our apprentices gain the practical skills, experience, and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The College is also leading the way in preparing businesses for a sustainable future with the launch of new “green” apprenticeships. These programmes help develop essential sustainability skills and give employers the chance to upskill staff or bring in new talent to meet sustainability goals and drive innovation.

By working closely with employers, Cheshire College ensures apprentices gain the skills most in demand, helping to close skills gaps across the region and create a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy. This includes technical knowledge in their specialism alongside universal skills for life such as communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Apprenticeships combine working at an organisation and studying for a nationally recognised qualification, and can be undertaken by anyone over 16 years old. From students taking the next step in their careers to businesses upskilling their workforce, an apprenticeship can be a great route into sustainable employment.

The latest data places ELLG at the top of the national tables for 16-18, adult and overall achievement rates, confirming its consistent strength across provision types and learner cohorts, and highlighting its sustained focus on quality, outcomes and accountability.

The result is particularly significant within the context of a highly scrutinised further education landscape, where achievement rates remain a key accountability measure for providers, inspectors and policymakers alike. ELLG’s performance reflects a strong alignment between curriculum intent, high-quality teaching, and learner outcomes across Lancashire.

ELLG has also ranked number one for both A Level and vocational progress measures. This indicates that learners not only achieve at higher rates, but also make significant progress, outperforming expectations and reflecting the strength of the Group’s curriculum design, evidence-informed pedagogy and teaching practice.

ELLG also remains the only college group in the country to have maintained Ofsted Outstanding status for 20 consecutive years, an exceptional record that continues to set it apart within the sector.

Lisa O’Loughlin CBE, CEO and Principal of East Lancashire Learning Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the number one further education college group in the country. This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and professionalism of our staff, and the ambition and success of our learners.”

Eleven T Level Design, Surveying and Planning students took part in an industry-led Active Travel in Hospital Design workshop, gaining insight into how hospitals can be designed to support safe, practical and environmentally responsible travel for staff, patients and visitors.

The project brought together a range of industry partners involved in the Leighton Hospital redevelopment, including professionals from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust CBRE, Arcadis, T&T, Akerlof, Gleeds and Ryder Architecture, offering perspectives across architecture, surveying, project management and healthcare planning.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, commented on the collaboration: “This experience allowed our students to see how construction, sustainability and healthcare design come together in practice, while building the skills they need for their future careers. Working on a project connected to their local hospital made the learning especially meaningful.”

James Whittall, the Trust’s Sustainability, Energy and Social Value Lead, said: “The standard of the students’ active travel proposals from Cheshire College was exceptional and genuinely impressed the MCHFT Healthier Futures team.”

“Their ideas show how thoughtful, costed design can make the new Leighton Hospital healthier and more accessible from day one, for everyone.”

Helen Nellist added: “We’re extremely grateful to the Leighton Hospital project team and industry partners for supporting our students. Their guidance helped our students gain confidence and really understand what it’s like to work on a project of this scale.”

For students, the opportunity to explore a live project brought theory to life. Liliana Chmielowska said: “Seeing a large-scale project like Leighton Hospital up close helped me understand what the industry is really like and the range of roles involved. Having professionals take the time to work with us was an amazing opportunity.”

The workshop also gave learners the chance to develop and present their own ideas for improving hospital design through active travel. Aldridge Nhenderere added:

“Visiting the site and learning about roles such as quantity surveying and project management made it all make sense. It’s given me a much clearer understanding of how the construction industry works.”

The workshop underlines Cheshire College – South & West’s commitment to employer-led education, connecting students with live projects, supporting local regeneration, and preparing the next generation for careers in construction, design and the built environment.

The North West Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) is one of only ten such colleges nationally, funded by the Department for Education. Led by Wigan & Leigh College, it works in partnership with Blackpool & The Fylde College and East Lancashire Learning Group. Together with further education providers, employers and training organisations, the CTEC is improving the quality, relevance and progression of technical construction education across the region.

The CTEC model focuses on raising standards across the whole region, ensuring people can access high-quality construction training close to home, aligned to what employers actually need now and in the future.

In her role as Director, Jo will lead the strategic development of the CTEC, working across the region to build a strong, collaborative network that responds to current and future skills needs. This includes overseeing partnership activity, capital investment, curriculum development, quality improvement and engagement with national bodies and government.

Jo joins the CTEC from University Technical College Warrington, where she was a member of the Senior Leadership Team. She has extensive experience in leading large technical departments, delivering capital-funded projects, implementing T Levels and working closely with employers to design industry-relevant provision. Her career spans senior roles across further education, university technical colleges and skills partnerships.

Previously, Jo led professional engineering and built environment provision at Riverside College, where she was responsible for significant curriculum growth, quality improvement and employer engagement across multiple qualification types. She has also worked at regional and national level on technical education reform, including Level 4 and 5 skills development, encouraging women into STEM careers, and green skills initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, Jo said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Director for the North-West Construction Technical Excellence College. Construction has a critical role to play in economic growth, infrastructure delivery and the transition to a greener economy. The CTEC provides a unique opportunity to bring partners together to raise standards, close skills gaps and create clear, high-quality pathways for learners and employers across the region.”

The CTEC will focus on strengthening technical training, supporting workforce upskilling, sharing best practice across providers, and ensuring provision is aligned with employer demand and regional priorities.

Up to 85 local and national employers will be present across the engineering, business, construction, education, hair and beauty, accounting, and sport sectors. The college expects to welcome over 1,000 visitors, including students from the college, local schools, and the public.

By connecting employers with local talent and career pathways to potential apprentices, the event directly addresses the ongoing skills gap issues in the South West, boosts the local economy, and bridges the gap between education and employment.

Ebner Heatly, Employer Engagement Manager at Bath College, said, “We’re excited to welcome 85 employers who are eager to meet and inspire the future workforce at this year’s Apprenticeship & Careers Fair. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to explore the many career paths and apprenticeships available locally.

Whether you’re starting, looking to retrain, or curious about your options, the chance to speak with employers is invaluable. We’re proud to bring together talent and opportunity in Somerset, and we encourage everyone to get involved.”

Adrian Carr, Partnership Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, added, “Apprenticeships are an opportunity to get real-world skills whilst getting paid, which can lead to sustainable employment. It offers good career progression pathways within sectors for advanced roles and promotion.”

The prestigious accolade recognises The City of Liverpool College’s strong track record of delivering the skills needed in modern Britain, making it one of just a few colleges in the UK to receive the honour.

This recognition comes on the heels of the college’s recent Ofsted report, which praised its ‘Outstanding’ performance in areas such as personal development and adult learning opportunities, with inspectors singling out the student experience as “transformative and life-enhancing”.

The Chartered Institution for Further Education accepts colleges with exemplary long-term records of achievement, making this a significant milestone for the college.

The City of Liverpool College was recognised for its high achievement rate among students and its advocacy for the further education sector on a national level, as well as its phenomenal delivery for employers in generating talent for the future.

Damien Kilkenny, Deputy Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said: “Being awarded this status, especially just after our recent Ofsted report, is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality education and skills development.

“Gaining admission into the CIFE is not only important for the college but also for the Liverpool City Region as a whole. It demonstrates the potential for skills development in the area and highlights the college’s role in shaping the economic future of the region. This accolade is a recognition of our dedication to excellence and our strong belief in the importance of further education in shaping the future of our society.”

The college was recently invited to an Admissions Ceremony at Apothecaries Hall in the City of London where Membership of the Chartered Institution for Further Education was conferred.

The Chairman of the CIFE, The Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt EdD DL, commented: “On behalf of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, I was delighted to confer Membership on The City of Liverpool College. This prestigious status recognises the commitment that organisations make to upholding the highest standards in Further Education for the benefit of learners, employers and their wider communities. It is awarded only to providers that demonstrate a clear ethos of collaboration, excellence in leadership and governance and exemplary teaching and learning.”

Admission into the CIFE is a testament not only to The City of Liverpool College’s achievements but also a validation of its commitment to providing the skills needed for the future.

For students at the college, the conferral of Chartered status means that they can be assured of receiving high-quality education that meets the needs of the economy. The seal of approval from the Chartered Institution is a validation of the college’s curriculum and its commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields.

Local businesses and organisations that partner with The City of Liverpool College will also benefit from this prestigious accreditation. It serves as evidence that the college is developing the skills needed to re-skill and upskill employees, providing a valuable resource for local businesses to access top-tier education and training.

Year 8 and 9 pupils from Park High School and Pendle Vale College spent an afternoon at the college immersing themselves in all things science.

The visit, one of several taster sessions involving local schools, highlighted the college’s reputation as a premier destination for studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

The college aims to inspire and empower students to pursue their passions in STEM fields, with a commitment to nurturing curiosity, innovation, and scientific inquiry.

As part of its ongoing efforts to engage with the local community, Nelson & Colne College collaborates closely with nearby schools to encourage students to explore the exciting opportunities available in STEM education. Taster days, such as the ones held during Science Week aims to ignite a passion for STEM learning and inspire the next generation of scientists.

On the day pupils had the opportunity to work in the college’s state-of-the-art science labs and conduct practical experiments under the guidance of experienced tutors. Year 8 students from Park High School had the unique opportunity to extract DNA, providing them with a hands-on experience that brings science to life.

James Hindle, a Year 8 pupil and Science Ambassador from Park High, said: “Coming into Nelson & Colne College was a really great experience. Extracting DNA was so cool, and it made me excited to learn more about science in the future.”

Mr Farry from Park High commented: ” An amazing and inspiring experience for our STEM ambassadors as part of British Science Week. The opportunities provided by Nelson & Colne College are invaluable for our students. These hands-on experiences not only foster a love for STEM subjects but also open doors to future career possibilities. We are grateful for the college’s dedication to inspiring and empowering young minds.”

Reflecting Nelson & Colne College’s commitment to providing students with real-world opportunities, several current students studying STEM subjects at A level have benefited from mentorship programs with industry experts. This year, four students received mentoring from professionals at Glaxo Smith Kline, while one student is taking up a coveted summer placement with Unilever. These experiences not only enhance students’ academic learning but also provide valuable insights into potential career pathways in STEM fields.

Kirsten Graham, Head of Division for Science, said “We are delighted to celebrate National Science Week and showcase the exceptional work being done in STEM education at the college. Our commitment to providing innovative learning experiences and real-world opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Through our collaborative efforts with local schools and industry partners, we aim to empower students to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the world of STEM.”

Schools and colleges will receive investment to upgrade classrooms and refurbish buildings that will provide high quality learning environments – benefitting communities for years to come.

Since 2010, one million school places have been created, the largest increase in school capacity in at least two generations. Thanks to this new tranche of funding, thousands of additional primary and secondary school places will be created in good or outstanding schools for September 2026.

This comes on top of the School Rebuilding Programme which will transform buildings at 500 schools across the country over the next decade – prioritising those in poor condition. The government has already invested over £13 billion in school capital funding to improve the condition of school buildings since 2015.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “This significant investment will transform school and college buildings across the country so that they are fit for the future and can provide the best education for students, no matter where they live.

“We want every young person to have access to high-quality facilities and learning environments, to gain the skills they need to climb the ladder of opportunity into further study and work, whilst supporting efforts to grow the economy.”

The funding announced includes:

• A £1.8 billion investment for the 2023-24 financial year to improve the condition of the school estate across England. This builds on over £13 billion to upgrade school buildings since 2015.
• A further £487 million will be invested to support councils to provide additional school places needed for September 2026.
• Alongside this, 146 colleges will benefit from the final phase of the £1.5 billion Further Education Capital Transformation Programme, to upgrade buildings and transform campuses.

The FE Capital Transformation Programme is just one part of a wider programme of government investment to transform post-16 education and training, ensuring that every student can gain the skills they need to progress and secure a good job.

This includes massive investment to support the roll out of new T Levels, boost capacity so there is a place for every 16 to 19-year-old and a £300 million investment to establish a network of Institutes of Technology.

Led by Pembroke College, Oxford, Oxnet is an established initiative run collaboratively between participating colleges at the University of Oxford, Durham University, the University of Manchester, and Hub secondary schools and colleges in London, the North West and North East of England.

During her time on the course, Bethany undertook a Study Day at Pembroke College, completed six academic seminars, submitted an essay for the Easter Essay competition, and completed a summer school week as an Oxford undergraduate student, where she was singled out by Oxford tutors for her work, and given a coveted Goldsmith Scholar prize.

Speaking of her experience, Bethany said: ‘It was intense, but it was great to prove that I could do it. I really liked the seminar series, as it was good to talk to experts in their field. We also had a small tutor group so that we could get personal feedback and that really made me think differently about tutorials at Oxford.’

Following her studies at Cheshire College, Bethany hopes to go to university to study Archaeology and Ancient History.

Bethany’s academic aspirations have been supported by The Futures Programme at Cheshire College, a unique selection of pathways designed to support progression onto employment and university.

Commenting on the programme, Bethany said: ‘The Futures Programme supported me in making the application to Oxnet and some of the team came to the summer residential, so it was nice to see some familiar faces. The Scholars group are really friendly, and my teachers are all very supportive too.’

Fiona Massey, the Futures Programme Coordinator said: “We hope that Bethany is proud of her award as a Goldsmith Scholar. We wish Bethany the very best in her future plans and look forward to welcoming her back as an alumna of the Scholars Programme to talk to current pupils about her journey.”

Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, commented: “We are very proud of Bethany’s achievements with the Oxnet Programme. Not only has her hard work and determination paid dividends, but her success will also inspire the new cohort of Scholars at Cheshire College.”

Cheshire College are now accepting applications for September 2023 for those interested in studying a diverse range of A Level subjects, designed to provide students with combined skills and knowledge that will fully prepare them for the next exciting stage of their life.

www.ccsw.ac.uk

When students qualify in skills such as plumbing, hairdressing, electrical installation, the Start Up coaching programme provided by the Wirral Chamber as part of their partnership with Wirral Met, will take this to the next level to support students, who wish to become self-employed or set up their own business.

Workshops will be focused on three key areas for establishing a business: business planning, marketing and finance, complementing to students newly developed skills.

In addition, for students who create products, as part of the entrepreneurial programme, they will also be provided with an opportunity to sell their goods in one of the Chamber’s Artisan market chalets as part of Small Business Saturday in December.

Sue Higginson, Wirral Met’s Principal said: “We have a strong and well-established partnership with Wirral Chamber of Commerce and are pleased to be working with them on a number of projects, including how we work together to deliver the local skills agenda.

“This project is a partnership to help our students explore their true potential.  The most important thing for young people is to continue their education and skills development until they are at least 18 to progress into employment, further education or university.

“As a vocational college all of our students choose a career and sector to hone their skills and, when they are qualified, this programme will enable them to explore self-employment and become a future employer in their own right.”

Patsy Crocker, Executive Director of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Wirral Met on this StartUp Wirral initiative – supporting budding entrepreneurs on their journey from an idea or hobby into a ‘real’ business that can thrive and growth.

“Through enabling Wirral Met students to turn their hobby or dream into a reality and begin their journey as a business owner also helps support our local economy.

“We look forward to featuring these new businesses at #SmallBusinessSaturday and holding a dedicated market at Woodside that features all Wirral students. Our business start support is funded in partnership with Wirral Council”.