A LEADING PROVIDER OF APPRENTICESHIPS IN GREATER MANCHESTER
Wigan & Leigh College is proud to be the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Manchester, offering over 80 diverse apprenticeship standards. With strong partnerships with over 1,500 local employers, we ensure our apprentices gain invaluable industry experience while meeting regional skills demands.
We are ambitious about the growth and impact of our apprenticeship provision. Our income has risen from £4.8 million in 2021 to a projected £8.4 million in 2024/25, reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities for apprentices and businesses alike.
DRIVING PARTICIPATION & SUCCESS
Our mission is to increase apprenticeship participation, particularly among young people and underrepresented groups, while addressing skills shortages in high-priority sectors such as engineering, construction, and professional services. We support SMEs, which make up 73% of our employer partners, by providing tailored apprenticeship solutions, collaborating on curriculum design, and developing innovative programmes that ensure clear skills alignment and progression opportunities.
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our outstanding achievement rate of 71.3% in 2023/24, significantly surpassing the national average. Additionally, our 16-18-year-old apprenticeship participation has grown by 47% since 2021, defying national trends and demonstrating our commitment to supporting young people into employment.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO APPRENTICE DEVELOPMENT
Beyond technical skills, we invest in personal and professional growth through initiatives such as the ‘BE BRILLIANT’ Programme, enhancing interpersonal communication, networking, and leadership skills.
Our Apprentice Progress Coaches and HE Mentors provide dedicated support, ensuring our learners thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES ACROSS
OUR CAMPUSES
We provide apprentices with cutting-edge learning environments across multiple campuses, equipped with industry-standard technology and resources. We have made considerable investment in our college estate over the past few years, creating the best technical teaching facilities in our region.
We have invested £9.1m in our estate and facilities since 2021.
• Parsons Walk Centre
• Centre of Advanced Technical Studies
• Pagefield Campus (Centre of Excellence in Engineering & Construction)
• The Skills Academy
• Leigh Campus
• Leigh Adult Learning Centre
PARSONS WALK CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
THE SKILLS ACADEMY
FUTURE ENERGY ZONE - PAGEFIELD CAMPUS
CENTRE OF ADVANCED TECHNICAL STUDIES AUTOMOTIVE
RECOGNISED EXCELLENCE IN APPRENTICESHIP
DELIVERY
Wigan & Leigh College has established itself as a leader in apprenticeship education, driving participation, achievement, and social mobility across the North. By aligning our programmes with regional economic strategies and prioritising employer needs, we have developed innovative, bespoke training solutions that benefit both apprentices and businesses.
Our efforts have been nationally recognised, with Wigan named by Metaverse as ‘the best place to be an apprentice’.
A WORKPLACE THAT VALUES AND INVESTS IN YOU
We are committed to creating a supportive, rewarding, and inspiring work environment. 97% of our staff express pride in being part of Wigan & Leigh College.
We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Flexible working arrangements
• Financial incentives
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities
BE PART OF AN
OUTSTANDING TEAM
Join a passionate and dedicated team that:
Champions widening participation through targeted pathways like the Pre-Apprenticeship and NEET/Care Leavers Programmes.
• Maintains a robust employer engagement model, ensuring high retention and employment rates for apprentices.
• Delivers outstanding achievement rates, consistently exceeding national averages.
• Leads innovation in high-demand sectors such as nuclear, food, and power engineering, preparing learners for the future workforce.
Invests heavily in CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance), professional development, and state-ofthe-art facilities, particularly in engineering, construction, and digital technologies.
JOIN US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking college that values innovation, excellence, and the success of both apprentices and staff. Your expertise and passion can help shape the future workforce while advancing your own career in a supportive and thriving environment
WIGAN & LEIGH COLLEGE | SHAPING CAREERS, CHANGING LIVES
