Bright future for Shropshire’s apprenticeships

News from our partners Herefordshire and Ludlow College 

One of the county’s largest private training providers has announced its merger with Herefordshire and Ludlow College, securing a strong future for the county’s apprenticeship provision.

County Training, who offer apprenticeships, work-based qualifications and short courses throughout Shropshire, have over 30 years’ experience in training delivery and have previously worked in partnership with Shropshire Council.

Already a successful provider, the merger will enable County Training to build on its existing achievements including their work with more than 500 employers, a ‘good with outstanding features’ from Ofsted in 2015 and success rates above the national average.

Ian Peake, Principal and Chief Executive of the College, commented:

“This merger will enable the sustainability of the vital education and training services provided by County Training and facilitate growth. This combination of two partners, both of which have good Ofsted grades, will train more apprentices than any other provider in the Marches Local Enterprise Area, and a very substantial number of 16- to 18-year-old and adult students. The college has already been working closely with County Training for several months, and we are looking forward to a bright future together.”

The college offers a wide-range of education and training across both Hereford and Shropshire, ranging from full-time vocational and A Level courses for school leavers, apprenticeships and adult learning. In addition, the college’s Hereford University Centre, run in partnership with the University of Worcester, opened in 2015 to raise higher education aspirations throughout the surrounding area.

l to r: Ian Peake, Principal and Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Ludlow College; Shropshire Councillor Nick Bardsley; and Kevin Humphreys, Business Development and Performance Manager for County Training.

Shropshire Councillor Nick Bardsley added:

“As Chairman for County Training’s Board of Governors, I have seen the organisation develop rapidly during the past 18 months to become an exceptional provider of work-based learning in Shropshire. I wish the business every continued success in its new venture with Herefordshire and Ludlow College.”