Bournemouth Poole College news

Apprenticeship cash boost means up to £3,000 extra for businesses taking on apprentices

It’s an exciting time for businesses looking to take on new apprentices, as the previously announced cash boost to the apprenticeship incentive scheme became available to claim from 1st June.

The Bournemouth & Poole College already works with around 2,000 businesses across Dorset and the surrounding areas, and can see the great potential of this cash boost to businesses.

This incentive, part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, sees employers of new apprentices become eligible for up to £3,000 extra cash for new apprentices taken on before 30th September 2021. Employers are free to choose how to spend the cash, and many decide to put it towards the training, travel or uniform costs for the apprentice.

The benefits of apprenticeships for businesses are well documented. In fact, the National Apprenticeship Service state that the average apprenticeship improves productivity by £214 a week. It’s common for apprentices to continue in employment after completing their qualification, in turn reducing staff turnover too.

Modern apprenticeships don’t just cover traditional trades such as plumbing and bricklaying, they now cover emerging roles in areas such as Digital Marketing, Electronic Engineering and Cyber Security. With this new incentive for businesses, The College expects to see more and more businesses in varying sectors looking to bring on apprentices.

As a business, you might be wondering how to make the most of this opportunity. The Bournemouth & Poole College offer a dedicated, supportive team that take the time to understand your business’ needs, with training that is tailored to fulfil your requirements. As part of this, The College can advise on what exactly this cash boost could mean to you – in short, you could receive up to £3,000 in additional payments for taking on a new apprentice.

If you’re thinking about taking on an apprentice and would like to discuss this further, contact The College’s dedicated apprenticeship team on 01202 205500 or at apprenticeships@bpc.ac.uk. Bournemouth & Poole College is delighted to appoint Phil Sayles as its new Principal and Chief Executive Officer, following current Principal Diane Grannell’s retirement at the end of the year.

Phil will begin his new role in January 2022 and joins the College with a wealth of experience in the education sector with previous leadership and director roles at Grimsby and Lincoln College. More recently, Phil was Deputy Principal at Rotherham College and is currently Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Selby College in Yorkshire.

Commenting on his new role, Phil said: “I am absolutely delighted and very proud to have been selected to lead Bournemouth and Poole College at a time when technical skills for work, or further education study, are both vital to local people of all ages. The College plays a pivotal role in delivering this and training the workforce of the future. I look forward to growing our connections with key sectors such as engineering, health and digital when I start my new role.”

The College’s Chair of the Corporation, David Ford, added: “Phil demonstrates a huge passion for learning, forward vision and commitment to the highest quality of teaching. We are confident that Phil’s experience and skills will lead us on the next part of our journey.”

Phil’s appointment coincides with current Principal, Diane Grannell’s retirement, after serving six years in her role at the College. Diane said: “Although it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Bournemouth & Poole College, I am pleased to hand over its leadership to such capable hands. I wish Phil all the best in his new role and hope to see The College continue to grow and develop in the coming years.

“During my remaining time at The College, I will work closely with Phil to ensure he has everything in place for his new position.”

Phil will join The College at a pivotal time with its Lansdowne site to soon benefit from the government’s national £1.5bn fund to improve its learning environments. Additionally, new courses are continually launching in exciting new sectors. www.thecollege.co.uk

Bournemouth & Poole College to welcome new Principal in 2022 following retirement of Diane Grannell