Home / Celebrating Our Apprentice’s Success this National Apprenticeship Week 2025!

February 17 2025

Celebrating Our Apprentice’s Success this National Apprenticeship Week 2025!

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is here, and we can’t wait to shout about some of our amazing apprentices!
Bishop Auckland College is proud to have a dedicated apprenticeship team that offers exceptional support and resources to our students.
Our apprenticeship provision was recently praised in our Ofsted report for its “high-quality off-the-job training” and “high-quality equipment and resources.”

Julie Vincent, Director of Apprenticeships and Employment Services, said: “To feature so highly on a list of 155 FE colleges in England is testament to the work we do at Bishop Auckland College. I would attribute that to a number of factors: Firstly, the strong relationships we build with apprenticeship employers and the thorough initial assessment process we put in place to match the right person with the right job and the right employer.

Secondly, the dedication of our teachers and assessors who work hard to ensure that all apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to excel in their job roles. Finally, our swift response to any concerns from apprentices or employers allows us to resolve questions and problems effectively and quickly. All of those combined deliver fantastic results.”

The college’s winning formula produces impressive results, as evidenced by the achievements of its apprentices.

Liam Shirley, from Willington, secured a motor vehicle apprenticeship at Chester Road Garage after retaking his Maths GCSE and impressing on a work trial. The garage, eager to employ Liam, held the position open for him until he achieved the required grade.

Liam-Shirley-Large

Maddison Illingworth, from Spennymoor, thrived in the early years’ educator apprenticeship programme. Achieving a distinction, she secured a full-time position at Rosa Street Nursery. Jilly Tugwell, Nursery Lead at Rosa Street Nursery, said: “Maddison has been a great part of the team and has been able to apply the knowledge from college to her practice in the nursery. She has now been given a contract and will remain part of the team.” Maddison credits her success to the support of Bishop Auckland College staff.

She said: “Naomi Morrison, early years tutor at the college, was an amazing tutor throughout my course and Susan Mould, senior business development advisor, also massively helped my development. Since starting my apprenticeship I have developed teamwork, communication, patience, organisation, relationship building and resilience. In the future, I’d like to complete a Level 6 teaching assistance course.”

Maddie-NAW-Large

Harry Crowther started with Swift Timber Homes, based in Bishop Auckland, in September 2024. He is going from strength to strength and sets a fantastic example for all aspiring apprentices. Emma Foody, Director at Swift Timber Homes, said: “Harry is a great addition to our workforce and is really keen to learn. He has a great attitude towards working and learning which isn’t easy to find these days.

I’m sure Harry will achieve great things in his joinery career. Having apprentices within the business gives us the opportunity to train individuals to our high standards and mould them to what we require from our employees while giving a young person the opportunity to start a career they enjoy.” When asked about the process of taking an apprentice on through Bishop Auckland College, Emma replied: “Yes, very easy – there is a lack of apprenticeships out there for young people and we feel that other companies should embrace this more.”

Harry-NAW-Large (1)

Maddie and Evie started their apprenticeships at The Oaks Secondary School back in September 2024. Both have made extremely positive starts to their blossoming careers in education and are well thought of by staff and students alike. Paul Carroll, Assistant Head at The Oaks Secondary School, had this to say regarding their shining apprentices: “Maddie is such a valued member of our staff team. She has an excellent working relationship with the young people and staff. She brings a maturity to her role, which is incredible for her age. She is keen to learn and willingly takes on all of the challenges that we present to her.

She has a great attitude, always keeping busy. We are thrilled to have such a great apprentice working at The Oaks. “Evie has made a great start to her apprenticeship in our class! She is keen to learn, has built up great relationships with the pupils in her care, and shows initiative when asked to create resources for use in class. She treats the pupils in class with respect and dignity and listens to guidance and advice from all staff working in class. Evie has the skills and attributes to be a very capable teaching assistant and if she continues with the same positive work ethic, she will be a credit to the profession!”

Maddie-and-Evie-NAW-Large

Bishop Auckland College is incredibly proud of all its apprentices and the fantastic progress they’re making. The college is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation and helping them take those crucial first steps into their careers. Through hands-on experience and expert support, Bishop Auckland College prepares its apprentices for a successful future.

With the highest success rates in the North East, the college is here to support apprentices throughout their entire journey. For any apprenticeship queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team!