Building brighter futures
PUBLISHED 03-03-2025
It’s Colleges Week, and we’re celebrating the impact colleges have both in our local communities and across the country.
As proud members of the Association of Colleges, we delight in highlighting the fundamental role we play in building brighter futures for our students, staff and local communities.
This year’s event uses the government’s five missions as a framework:
- Kickstart the economy
- Become a green energy superpower
- Take back our streets
- Break down barriers to opportunity
- Build an NHS fit for the future
When it comes to Kickstart the Economy – what better way than through our busy Apprenticeships team?
Among our apprentices is brilliant Level 3 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering student, James Rowland, who won a silver medal in the WorldSkills UK RAC competition in Manchester.
James is currently an apprentice at Air-Control in Southampton, among the south’s leading air conditioning and ventilation specialists operating within the commercial, industrial and domestic sectors.
He develops and hones his skills with the expert team at our North Harbour Campus, putting them into practice and gaining real-life, real-world paid experience with his employers.
When asked what motivated him to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as his career, James replied: “To develop the industry towards more sustainable and energy efficient systems in the future.”
Principal and CEO Katy Quinn said this is just one example of us working closely with industries and employers across the region to teach the skills required today to enable a more sustainable future.
“It’s a win win situation for employers and apprentices alike,” she said.
“Employers can help their business grow by bringing fresh new talent through the ranks or upskilling their team.
“At the same time, school leavers and adult learners can learn while they earn, gaining invaluable experience to set them on a great career path with money in their pockets and without the burden of student debt.”
Watch out for more on how we’re helping to build a brighter future during the course of the week.
Photo credit: Building Engineering Services Association
Interested?
Whether you're a school leaver, adult learner or employer looking to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships, talk to us. Our expert team are ready to help with everything you need to know.
