Let's talk 'one stop shop' at breakfast

To develop their staff through training support, or for both employers and employees to understand the benefit of considering the apprenticeship route, the University of Bolton, Bolton College and Alliance Learning unveiled a new service for employers. Businesses from across Greater Manchester attended the event at the university’s Institute of Management (IoM) building to talk about ConnectED, a unique training collaboration between the three organisations in Greater Manchester.

Kelly Perkin, Alliance Learning CEO, told the audience: “We are very excited to launch ConnectED today. It is a fantastic opportunity for all three organisations: Alliance Learning, Bolton College and the University of Bolton. “An apprenticeship is a genuine job that allows businesses to train and upskill new and existing staff to allow for succession planning and sustainability. Apprentices gain vital skills and knowledge and this has huge benefits for employers.”

ConnectED will provide a free service, offering expertise, advice about apprenticeships, education and training to employers and learners to enhance careers. The breakfast event featured presentations from Lory Povah, from Bolton Council’s Business Bolton, who talked about the apprenticeship grants available and Ceri Travers, from William Hare, steel design and fabrication business, who spoke passionately about the benefits to employers of apprenticeships and the excellent reputation and track record all three members of the partnership have, in supporting their staff in their apprenticeship programmes.

Jamie McIntyre, Learning and Development Business Partner from JD Sports Fashion PLC, who works closely with the university on degree apprenticeships and Alliance Learning to deliver Engineering qualifications, said the collaboration was “dynamic, flexible and focused”. Helen Watts, from the CMI (Chartered Management Institute), talked about the importance of having well-trained and motivated managers in your business. She said the next generation of leaders would be produced through well-delivered apprenticeship training.

The ConnectED group offers a wide range of apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships, education and training from Level 1 to Level 7, providing the skills and knowledge individuals and businesses are looking for, to develop new and existing staff. Kate Wallace, Group Director of Apprenticeships for Bolton College and the University of Bolton, said: “The ConnectED brand, brings an exciting opportunity for both Bolton College and the University of Bolton, who both have a long and established reputation for delivering high-quality training.”