APPRENTICES RETURN TO BURY COLLEGE

Bury College apprentices have returned to college to continue their training and receive the support they need to achieve their long-term career goals.

Following the safe and successful return of Year 12 students, apprentices have been welcomed back to a safe learning environment and are benefitting from valuable off-the-job tutor training required to achieve their qualifications.

Construction, Plumbing, Joinery, Engineering, IT and Accounting apprentices were amongst those who benefitted from a return to college. In line with recommendations from the Department for Education and government scientific advice, lessons took place in a safe and supported environment. Staff adopted safe working practices and were on-hand to help apprentices and offer guidance and support.

During these unprecedented times, many dedicated Bury College apprentices have continued to work, including Health and Social Care apprentices who demonstrated their commitment and compassion through continuing to work in a range of industries including hospitals, doctors and care settings.

Kimberley Heaney is a Level 3 Health and Social Care apprentice and is currently working at Longford Street Medical Centre. Throughout the recent pandemic, Kimberley has been working as a Health Care Assistant at a busy GP practice based in Heywood where she has continued to provide exceptional care to patients.

Kimberley said, “During these difficult times I have been completing varied shifts at the practice where I have been carrying out patient facing examinations, taking blood pressures and performing electrocardiograms (ECGs). My Bury College apprenticeship experience has been very positive and I look forward to taking the next step in my career.”

The College has remained open throughout these uncertain times in order to support the needs of vulnerable learners and children of key workers. This experience of having continually provided a safe learning environment strongly placed the College ready for this supportive, phased return for both learners and apprentices. The College has in the region of 540 students currently booked onto face-to-face learning where learners will benefit from high quality teaching and support.

Becky Tootell, Bury College Deputy Principal said, “We are so proud of our apprentices who have continued to work throughout the pandemic. These hardworking individuals have shown exceptional resilience and dedication to their apprenticeship and the industry they work in. We were delighted to welcome apprentices back to a safe learning environment and have the opportunity to further develop their technical abilities and receive the essential training required to secure their apprenticeship qualification.”