City of Bristol College has once again been recognised as the top performing Further Education establishment in the region, following the release of the Government’s 2024-2025 National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs). This marks the second year running that the college has secured this prestigious position, reinforcing its reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes for learners.
The annual NARTs provide a comprehensive overview of how effectively education providers support their students, offering valuable comparisons at both regional and national levels.
City of Bristol College has seen its overall achievement rates improve by 1.2 percentage points, placing the college an impressive 3.2 percentage points above the national average. This continued upward trajectory firmly secures the college’s place within the top 25% of Further Education colleges nationally, while also maintaining its position as the highest performing college in the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) region.
Strong performance has been demonstrated across the board for all provision areas.
The results show that the 16-18 provision has improved, with a percentage point increase compared to last year’s results; solidifying the college as the best in the region for this age group.
Adult provision continues to be a standout strength, performing exceptionally at 4.5 percentage points above the national average and placing the college within the top 20% nationally.
In core subjects, the college continues to exceed expectations. GCSE English and Maths achievement rates for grades 4-9 are 1.6 percentage points above the national average, with Adult English provision performing particularly strongly at 12 percentage points above national benchmarks.
GCSE Maths provision also exceeds national averages by 2 percentage points, with youth provision outperforming by 2.1 percentage points.
Several subject areas have delivered particularly notable results:
- Construction programmes have built on last year’s remarkable 15 percentage point increase with a further 2 percentage point rise, now sitting 6 percentage points above the national average.
- Business and Administration programmes remain the best in the region, achieving over 10 percentage points above national averages.
- Health, Public Services and Care programmes are over 3 percentage points above national averages, while Education and Training programmes exceed them by more than 5 percentage points.
- Preparation for Life and Work programmes are 4 percentage points above national benchmarks.
- Retail and Commercial Enterprise programmes are nearly 2 percentage points above the national average and are also the best in the region.
Speaking of this incredible achievement, Julia Gray, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “These results are a powerful reflection of the hard work, ambition and resilience shown by our students, alongside the unwavering dedication and expertise of colleagues.
“At City of Bristol College, we are committed to delivering an inclusive, high-quality education that enables every learner to thrive and progress, whatever their starting point.
“To be recognised once again as the top performing Further Education college in the region, and among the strongest nationally, is something we are incredibly proud of. We will continue to build on this success to ensure that we provide the very best opportunities for our students and make a lasting, positive impact on our community.”
A Business Administration apprentice at City of Bristol College is already making a strong impression, as she builds confidence, develops new skills and embraces opportunities through her Level 3 apprenticeship with the South West Apprenticeship Company.
Charlotte Hennessy joined the college with determination and an openness to learn, quickly becoming a valued member of the team. Her journey highlights not only the benefits of apprenticeships but also the importance of an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Reflecting on her experience so far, Charlotte said: “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship at City of Bristol College, I feel completely supported with the work that I do and I look forward to coming into work every day!
“When I initially started, I was worried that my autism may affect my work as I tend to ask a lot of questions and have trouble socialising with people, but not once have I felt out of place or like my questions are annoying anyone and it feels really nice to know that any adjustments I might need will be supported.
“The team are an amazing group of hardworking people and I feel like I fit in really well! The role is challenging without being overwhelming and I rarely find myself stressed about making mistakes as I know that I won’t be judged and I can learn from them instead of letting them define my work.
“I can feel myself steadily getting more confident in my role and I’m really looking forward to expanding my skills further and experiencing all of the new things that this college has to offer.
“This role has allowed me to have experiences that I never thought I’d have (like meeting the Minister of Employment) and I feel a real sense of pride when people ask me what I do for a job.
“When I think about my future here, I feel excited and hopeful and I can’t wait to see what the next phase of my probation brings!”
Charlotte’s story is a powerful example of how apprenticeships can open doors, build confidence and create meaningful career pathways. Her experience also reflects the college’s commitment to fostering an environment where all learners feel valued and supported.
Lottie Paul, Executive Assistant and Curriculum Administration Team Leader, praised Charlotte’s contribution: “Charlotte has quickly become a valued member of the team. Despite being with us for only a short time, she has made an impressive impact.
“Her drive, positivity, and willingness to learn have been a real joy, and we’re excited to see what she achieves in the future.”
As Charlotte continues her apprenticeship journey, both her growing confidence and enthusiasm signal a bright future ahead; within the college and beyond.
For further information regarding apprenticeships at City of Bristol College, simply click here.
City of Bristol College is proud to announce a new partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation (BSF), the charitable arm of Bristol Sport, as part of a shared commitment to improving the lives of young people across Bristol through sport and physical activity.
Founded in 2012 and based at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol Sport Foundation works with more than 8,500 children every week in schools and communities across the city, with a particular focus on disadvantaged areas. Through its wide-ranging programmes, the Foundation provides positive early experiences that help young people to develop a lifelong love of sport, an encouragement to stay active and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
This new partnership creates valuable opportunities for City of Bristol College students and colleagues alike to engage directly with the community.
Students will be encouraged to volunteer and support Foundation-led initiatives, gaining meaningful experience while making a tangible difference to young people’s lives.
One of the first major initiatives under the partnership will see college colleagues take part in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run in early May, raising crucial funds in aid of Bristol Sport Foundation and supporting its ongoing work across the city. It’s now just under three weeks until the race takes place, colleagues are deep into their training plans and it’s the final push to raise the crucial funds to hit the £5000 target to make a real difference to the young people of Bristol’s lives. The link to the fundraising page can be found here.
Speaking of the partnership, Dan Pollard, Programme Manager at City of Bristol College, commented: “Our partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation brings our whole college community together. Staff and students alike are all playing their part.
“From colleagues running the Great Bristol Run and students supporting their training to opportunities for students to give back to the community and volunteer in supported events, the partnership empowers us all to help young people in Bristol get active.”
Lara Short, Head of People and Culture at Bristol Sport Foundation, added: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with City of Bristol College. This partnership represents far more than a fundraising effort, it reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people in Bristol through sport and physical activity.
“At Bristol Sport Foundation, we understand how important it is to create opportunities for children and families to lead active and healthy lives, particularly those facing disadvantage. Through our Forever Sport and Project Take-Off programmes, we work to break down barriers to participation and help young people from some of the most deprived areas in our city build confidence, resilience and a genuine love for being active.
“The funds raised through the Great Bristol Run will directly support this work, enabling us to reach more children across the city. We’re very grateful to the staff at City of Bristol College for running on behalf of Bristol Sport Foundation and helping us make a positive difference together.”
Many young people in schools today face significant challenges that impact their behaviour, attendance, mental wellbeing and academic progress. Poverty and deprivation can intensify these issues, making targeted support more important than ever.
Funds raised through this partnership will directly support key Bristol Sport Foundation programmes, including:
Elevate Mentoring
A primary school mentoring programme designed to build socio-emotional skills, improve mental resilience and support positive behaviour change among vulnerable or at-risk children.
Health Squad
A six-week, school-based initiative for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils that promotes the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating and good sleep. Using basketball and Bristol Flyers Basketball as inspiration, the programme engages children in learning while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Project Take Off
A free programme providing primary and secondary school-aged young people with access to basketball opportunities, removing financial and societal barriers and using sport as a powerful tool for personal development.
Through this strong partnership, City of Bristol College and Bristol Sport Foundation aim to extend their reach and impact, helping more young people across Bristol to overcome barriers, build confidence and lead healthier, more active lives.
City of Bristol College (CoBC) has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) through the signing of a new Learner Commitment Pledge at an event held at the college’s South Bristol Skills Academy.
The event marks a significant milestone in a collaboration that has spanned more than two decades, focused on improving education pathways and expanding access to Higher Education for learners across Bristol.
The Learner Commitment Pledge sets out a shared ambition to build an inclusive, innovative and transformative education and skills ecosystem that supports learners, employers and communities across the region.
At the event, Julia Gray, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of City of Bristol College, was joined by Professor Marc Griffiths – Vice Chair of Board Members at City of Bristol College and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Regional Partnerships, Engagement and Innovation at UWE Bristol and Steve West – UWE Bristol’s Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer to formally sign the pledge.
The strengthened partnership places a renewed focus on putting Bristol learners, skills and progression first; co-designing curriculum aligned to employment, regional growth and opportunity, tackling inequality and supporting thriving communities, driving innovation, research and enterprise, strengthening workforce development and digital capability and investing in sustainability and regional impact.
The two institutions will deliver these priorities through deeper strategic collaboration, shared workstreams and stronger engagement with employers and civic partners.
The partnership continues to play a vital role in supporting social mobility and addressing regional skills needs. By aligning Further and Higher Education pathways, City of Bristol College and UWE Bristol aim to ensure that learners from all backgrounds can progress and succeed.
Opening the event, Julia Gray said: “I have the absolutely immense privilege of being the Principal and Chief Executive Officer at City of Bristol College.
“It’s been a real journey of positive improvement for us here at City of Bristol College. We are so proud of the work that we do and this is a mark of that today, a mark of our continued commitment to our students at all levels, our continued commitment to our investment in our students progressing to Higher Education and our continued commitment to excellence within our city.
“It’s a great place, our South Bristol Skills Academy and we’re really proud of the work that we do here. We’re really proud of the number of students who have left us and progressed to go on to our Higher Education qualifications from here, so thank you for the role that you have played in believing in our students and their futures.
“We will continue that partnership and that work between us and I’m delighted that we can recognise that here today with the official signing.
Speaking of the event, Professor Marc Griffiths said: “As we look ahead to the next decade of partnership with CoBC, we want to go further. Deepening our partnership and building closer strategic and academic ties to strengthen our offer to learners, employers and civic leaders so they can be confident that our skills system is joined up across the levels of study across the city.
“This will see us explore new and emerging subject areas such as digital and media, community practice and aviation, while enhancing our established progression routes in healthcare and education.
“But it also goes beyond programme delivery and into our roles as civic anchor institutions – harnessing our research, innovation, skills and enterprise ambitions and capabilities for the good of the city.
“With CoBC, we want to shape an education and skills ecosystem that is inclusive and transformative, and fuels Bristol’s future as a thriving, adaptive and resilient city. More than ever, at the heart of our partnership with CoBC is opportunity: ensuring learners locally have skilled and valued career opportunities that, in turn, boosts the economic prosperity for the region.”
Professor Steve West added: “The partnerships that we are creating are all about opportunities for learners to engage and to progress throughout their lives to the level that they want to achieve.
“The commitment that we see at every level of our organisation suggests that true partnerships work and create futures; together we then transform lives and that is what this is about, it’s about a deep meaningful approach.
“The partnership is important because increasingly, we will be needing to demonstrate how we collaborate and how we do that with purpose and how we do change lives and for us, this is really, really key.
“I often say that for UWE, we are for the city, with the city and of the city and that is really genuine.”
This renewed commitment signals the next phase of collaboration between City of Bristol College and UWE Bristol, focused on creating opportunity, strengthening progression pathways and supporting Bristol’s future as a thriving and inclusive city.
Two City of Bristol College students have been named joint winners of the Business West John Savage Award for ‘Improved Opportunity’, recognising their determination and commitment to improving their futures through Further Education.
Established by the college’s Chair of Governors and Managing Director of Business West, Phil Smith, the award honours the legacy of Dr John Savage upon his retirement as Board Director of Business West. It is presented annually to students who demonstrate tenacity and ambition in their Further Education journey.
Alongside a monetary prize, winners benefit from support from Business West’s expert advisors and employer network to help them explore career opportunities.
This year’s joint winners, Ray Baylis and Fareed Rahimi, have both overcome significant challenges to succeed in their studies.
Ray Baylis has shown exceptional determination, overcoming bullying and the challenges of living with autism, a learning disability and ADHD. During his work placement, he has impressed his manager with his reliability, enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Despite limited resources, Ray remains focused on his goal of securing a job at Asda, with the aim of supporting his family and building a stable future.
Fareed Rahimi arrived in the UK as a young asylum seeker after fleeing Afghanistan, initially speaking very little English. Through resilience and hard work, he has made excellent progress in his ESOL studies, maintained strong attendance and built strong relationships at college. He has also volunteered to support other young people, and passed both his driving theory and practical tests. Fareed aspires to become a police officer.
City of Bristol College congratulates Ray and Fareed on their well-deserved achievement. Their stories highlight the impact of determination and the opportunities Further Education can create.
The college also celebrates the other students nominated for the award. Each will receive a certificate and voucher in acknowledgement of their effort and dedication.
For more information regarding the Business West John Savage Award, click here.
Students at City of Bristol College brought the college community together this week for its second ever Open Iftar, celebrating the holy month of Ramadan through an evening of reflection, learning and shared food.
The event, held at the College Green Centre welcomed students and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds. Organised entirely by students with support from Elizabeth WIlde and the wider Student Experience Team, the evening highlighted the role of the Student Council and wider student community in promoting inclusivity, understanding and shared cultural experiences across the college.
The programme began with a welcome speech from student Manahil Noor Faisal, followed by a recitation from the Quran by Abdulelah Al-Rabahi. As sunset approached, Zaid Almarto delivered the call to prayer before the prayer itself was led by Abdulelah.
Guests then broke their fast together, sharing a meal prepared by Level 2 Culinary Skills students alongside the college’s Catering Team. The evening came to a close with a lively Islamic trivia quiz hosted by student Sainab Hassan, with prizes awarded to first, second and third place participants.
Speaking during the event, Manahil welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of the evening, commenting: “Hello and welcome to Open Iftar! It’s so nice to see such a diverse group of people here today celebrating one religion’s beautiful month.
“Tonight is the night to celebrate the beautiful month that is important to many people. This evening is very special as it’s the second Open Iftar in our college’s history, making it more than just a meal, it reflects the kind of community that we are building; one that is open and eager to understand one another and what makes it even more meaningful is that this event is fully organised by students and Elizabeth. It shows that we can achieve so much when we come together.
“For those who aren’t familiar, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months around the world. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours.
“But Ramadam is so much more than hunger and thirst, it’s a time of spiritual self-reflection, discipline and renewal. It teaches us patience and self-control, it reminds us to be humble and grateful for the blessings that we often take for granted. Most importantly, it helps us to develop empathy for those who face hunger and hardship every day.
“Ramadan is also a time of generosity, charity and strengthening community ties, families and friends gather to break their fast, it is a moment of gratitude, togetherness and reflection, this is why hosting an Open Iftar is so meaningful. It allows us not only to share food but also understanding. In a world where differences can divide us, evenings like this can remind us that sitting together at one table can bring us closer, whether you’re fasting or simply here to show your support, your presence matters, it shows our college values, inclusion, respect and shared experience.”
By bringing students and colleagues together to learn about Ramadan and share the experience of an Open Iftar, the event reflected the college’s commitment to trust, community building and mutual respect.
The student-led initiative demonstrated how shared cultural experiences can strengthen connections across the college, continuing to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone at City of Bristol College.
Engineering students from City of Bristol College have been putting their design and teamwork skills to the test after taking part in a high-speed electric car racing competition at Aerospace Bristol.
The day was filmed for a feature on ITV News, marking the first broadcast coverage of the growing UK student RC motorsport series.
The students designed, built and raced their own small-scale, remote-controlled Formula 1-style cars over several months, reaching speeds of up to 31mph. The event formed part of the growing S-RC Cup, which recently launched its 2026 season beneath Concorde with a competitive pre-season test at the same venue.
The S-RC Cup challenges teams to develop electric RC cars from the ground up, combining engineering precision with strategy, branding and race-day performance. The 2026 season launch marked an exciting milestone for the competition, as teams gathered under the iconic aircraft for timed test sessions ahead of a national series of races. Organisers have also announced plans to take race events into schools across the country, widening access and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Speaking to ITV News, student Evangeline Clark said: “I know absolutely nothing about Formula 1 so it’s really interesting to see it from an engineering point of view but also to see it as a community that so many people have a love for.”
The competition offers students the chance to step into a variety of motorsport-inspired roles, including drivers, mechanics and even team principals. Race marshals at the Bristol event were mainly students from the University of Bristol, helping to create a race-day atmosphere.
Student Enrichment Co-ordinator at City of Bristol College, Anne Draper, praised the wider benefits of the experience, saying: “They can learn additional things that aren’t necessarily part of their course, so things like marketing skills, communication, team work skills – all these things that we know employers really want people to be able to do and it looks really good on their CVs.”
Founder & CEO of S-RC Cup, Peter Hewage, commented: “We saw teams actively tweaking their cars to unlock performance. That’s exactly what we want. This isn’t just about who can drive the fastest lap, it’s about who can engineer the best overall package.”
Beyond the thrill of race day, the project has given students valuable hands-on experience in engineering design, testing and performance analysis, while also developing the softer skills essential for industry.
With the 2026 S-RC Cup season now underway, the college’s aspiring engineers are hoping their months of hard work will give them a competitive edge as they prepare to take on teams from across the country.
For information regarding engineering courses at City of Bristol College, simply click here.
Bristol Airport has donated a Mercedes ‘bendy bus’ to City of Bristol College’s Parkway Centre, to help students to learn hands-on industry skills.
The articulated bus may have reached the end of its service life at the airport, but the wheels on the bus are certainly still going round and round as it continues to help students with vital learning.
The bus has been in service for almost 20 years, shuttling customers who park their cars in the Silver Zone at the airport and employees who use the staff car park, to and from the terminal.
Pictured left to right: Luke Hastings – Business Partnerships Manager at City of Bristol College, Clayton Wyatt – Motor Transport Operations Manager at Bristol Airport and Glenn Cutter – Programme Manager at City of Bristol College
The donated bus means that students on all Motor Vehicle courses at City of Bristol College can gain hands on experience with an operational vehicle. Not only will it be particularly helpful for students to practice on, but it will also be used for assessments, demonstrations and on-going course work.
Cherie Marchant, People Director at Bristol Airport, said: “It’s our pleasure to donate the bendy bus, as it will allow students the opportunity to work on real systems that are being used in the motor transport industry, which in turn helps pupils to build confidence. And employers will know students are absolutely ready to start their career and have a solid understanding of industry expectations.
“It also offers students exposure to large vehicle engineering. We hope it will help attract more pupils by offering standout, hands-on learning opportunities and contribute to long-term employment opportunities for people in the region.”
The donation will help support the development of skilled workers in key sectors such as transport, engineering and infrastructure and help address the regional skills shortage while supporting curriculum development aligned with real-world transport and engineering needs.
Luke Hastings, Business Partnerships Manager, from City of Bristol College added: “Our heartfelt thanks to Bristol Airport for their generous gift of their Bus to City of Bristol College.
“This will truly support students at our Advanced Motor Vehicle Technology Centre to diversify their skills and understanding in maintaining Heavy Vehicles.
“City of Bristol College are proud to have a strong working partnership with Bristol Airport and look forward to carrying this forward into the future.”
Partners in Bristol (a subsidiary of City of Bristol College) has an existing partnership with Bristol Airport through the ‘Take Off Programme’, which supports people back into employment. The course covers CV writing, interview techniques, professional communication and workplace skills with a focus on customer service and a recognised qualification.
It includes hands-on experience with some of the airport’s business partners, as the students rotate across different departments. The programme takes four – six weeks to complete with various start dates throughout the year. Since the programme launched last year, it has supported 15 people and seven have gained employment. The next opportunity is September.
For more information regarding the Motor Vehicle courses offered at the Motor Vehicle Technology Centre in Parkway, please click here.
City of Bristol College proudly welcomed hundreds of visitors to the 10th annual South Bristol Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair this week, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most impactful employment events.
Held at the college’s South Bristol Skills Academy, the fair once again brought together a wide range of employers, training providers and support organisations under one roof. Each year proves to be bigger and better than the last, with this year’s event showcasing the strong local collaboration between City of Bristol College, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Bristol City Council, other education providers and the voluntary sector in supporting people into work.
The event was organised in partnership with Karin Smyth, who teamed up with the college, Bristol City Council and the DWP to deliver the fair. Also in attendance was Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Employment, who met exhibitors and attendees.
Speaking to Bristol World at the fair, Dame Diana Johnson said: “I’m really keen to make sure people have knowledge and opportunities to find out about good jobs and careers.
“Karin Smyth has been running this jobs fair for 10 years, so I know it’s a well-established one and I wanted to come and see it for myself.
“Also this week it’s National Apprenticeship Week, so I’m particularly focused on making sure young people get access to information about good apprenticeships.”
The fair was first launched a decade ago by Karin Smyth to address barriers faced by local families in accessing employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the city.
Also speaking to Bristol World at the event, Karin Smyth added: “I set this up because there was nothing like it in South Bristol.
“When I became an MP, parents and grandparents said they were fed up of their children and grandchildren trying to get on different buses to go across the city to get apprenticeships and jobs.
“That’s why I said to the college at the time, ‘Let’s make this brilliant building in Hengrove, let’s use it, and I want everyone to come here.
“It was hard work to start off with, but with working with people at the council, the college and the Department for Work and Pensions, I got them all together.
“It started off small and I’m really proud that we’ve kept it going for 10 years.
“We’ve helped hundreds of people, it’s really uplifting, and I think anyone who’s here today will recognise it’s a good atmosphere.
“It’s really hard to start that first job and cross the threshold into work, particularly for young people and if they’ve had a bad experience at school.
“People want you to work and they want you to succeed. By coming face-to-face with people here in a nice atmosphere, you can get that first step on the ladder.”
Over the past decade, the South Bristol Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair has become a key fixture in the local calendar, connecting hundreds of residents with meaningful opportunities and practical support.
The 10th anniversary event not only celebrated that legacy, but also highlighted the continued commitment of partners across Bristol to break down barriers and ensure that local people can access good jobs and career pathways close to home.
On Monday, City of Bristol College’s Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Julia Gray, attended the Prime Minister’s Opportunities for All: A National Apprenticeship Week Reception at 10 Downing Street.
Also in attendance were Jacqui Smith, Skills Minister, Ollie de Botton, the Prime Minister’s expert adviser on Education and Skills who has previously visited City of Bristol College, apprentices, employers and children from schools who are interested in apprenticeships.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, attended the event and spoke to apprentices and influencers who use their platforms to promote career paths.
The event celebrated the crucial role that apprenticeships play in creating good jobs, supporting various industries and strengthening communities across the UK.
The reception, help as part of National Apprenticeship Week, highlighted the growing national recognition of apprentices as key contributors to the UK’s economic future.
A press release published by the Government last week sees the Prime Minister vow to “unlock opportunities for young people across the country”.
The Government is set to pilot a university clearance-style system where “near miss” applicants who aren’t successful in securing their first choice of apprenticeship will be re-directed to similar opportunities in their area.
Delivered in partnership with employers and Mayoral Strategic Authorities, this pilot will test how young people can be re-directed to other suitable employers and apprenticeships often found on their doorstep if they were unsuccessful in their initial applications.
An online platform will bring together information on apprenticeships in one place for young people, many of whom are keen to explore the apprenticeship route but don’t know exactly where to start.
The platform will include new data showing actual earnings and details of how apprentices have progressed after completing their training, helping young people to compare options and understand which apprenticeships lead to lasting careers.
This will mean that employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses will gain access to a stronger pipeline of motivated young talent; helping to close the skills gap.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “Apprenticeships give young people real experience, real prospects, and a real route into good careers.
“But for too long young people have been held back from the opportunities they need to get on in life because of outdated assumptions about how to make it into a successful career.
“We’re unlocking opportunities for young people across the country by making it easier and faster to get the skills that matter, so more young people can build a secure life for themselves.”
For information regarding how City of Bristol College can support both apprentices and employers, simply click here.
The next of our spotlight on apprentice success brings us to Michael’s story; an apprentice within the City of Bristol College Business Administration team.
Talking of his journey to embarking on an apprenticeship, Michael said: “I was out of work and was getting employment support; thinking about how I can bounce back, recover and reflect on what happened. I thought an apprenticeship was a more practical way of developing on the job skills and work well to my preferred style of learning.
“I applied via one of the college’s partner organisations and I had a large amount of qualifications beforehand; being mostly technology and production specialisms. I thought to go for Business Administration as it supports my transferrable skills and provides some future job security with general duties shared by many companies.”
Michael has been placed within the Apprenticeship team and has been able to continue to refine his technical skills. He continued: “Working in the Apprenticeships team, is fast paced, it’s highly rewarding and is an ever developing area; it gives many opportunities to grow skills and knowledge in a practical way.
“There is a great work / life balance with the one day of study and I have been able to use my technical skills to support with detailed organisational improvements.”
So, what’s next for Michael? He added: “I hope to still work in the education sector as there is room to develop into a role naturally and knowing the meaningful ways I can help, provides a real sense of accomplishment. Having supported senior management, I understand the environment and what is needed to reach a collective goal.”
He also shared some words of wisdom for any prospective apprentices who are considering taking on an apprenticeship: “You have nothing to lose doing an apprenticeship, as it teaches not just about the working world but about yourself and what motivates you.
“It can become the start of more conversations and opportunities. Have belief in yourself and you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to!”
For a wealth of information regarding apprenticeships at City of Bristol College, simply click here.
At City of Bristol College, we work with a multitude of employers and match them with the perfect apprentices to suit their individual working environments.
We pair businesses who are passionate about introducing increased skillsets to their teams with apprentices who are eager to learn; resulting in a recipe for resounding success.
Bristol Airport is just one of the employers that City of Bristol College works with. Talking of their experience with the apprenticeship scheme, a representative for the airport commented: “We first discovered City of Bristol College through their apprenticeship programme and were immediately impressed by how well they understand employer needs.
“What stood out was their structured approach to matching apprentices with the right roles, ensuring both the business and the apprentice benefit. It gave us confidence that we would find motivated, capable individuals to join our team.”
Speaking of the support that they have received as a business, they continued: “The support from City of Bristol College has been excellent throughout the process. They provided guidance and advice to help us integrate the apprentice successfully into our team. Their ongoing mentoring and progress tracking ensured the apprentice developed quickly and confidently, making a positive impact from the start.”
The apprentice who has been matched with them continues to make an incredible impression: “Our apprentice has brought fresh energy and ideas into the team, boosting morale and encouraging a culture of learning. We’ve seen productivity improve and noticed that our existing staff have developed stronger mentoring and leadership skills. Overall, having an apprentice has made the workplace more collaborative and dynamic.
“Apprentices bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a strong desire to learn, which positively impacts both productivity and team culture. We would encourage any business considering their first apprentice to embrace the process and invest in their development.
“With the right support, apprentices can grow into highly skilled, committed employees who add long-term value to any organisation.”
For a wealth of information regarding apprenticeships at City of Bristol College, simply click here.