Truro and Penwith College has been recognised as the top college for apprenticeship achievement across Cornwall and Devon.
The college has also been named the county’s only ‘Apprenticeship Expert’ recognised by the Department for Education (DfE).
A high success rate for Truro and Penwith apprentices
In total, 945 apprentices studied at, and were supported by, the college as part of their apprenticeship in the 22/23 academic year.
The latest national achievement rate data is based on the percentage of apprentices who successfully complete their qualifications. Truro and Penwith College apprentices have achieved a success rate of 62.7%, well above the national average of 54.3%.
This achievement rate places the college not only top across Cornwall and Devon but also as one of the top five college providers of apprenticeship training in the southwest.
Hayley McKinstry, director of partnerships and apprenticeships at Truro and Penwith College, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as Cornwall and Devon’s top college provider of apprenticeship training. I’d like to extend my gratitude and congratulations to our high-achieving apprentices, industry expert teaching teams and top employers for whom this recognition is well deserved.”
What is expert status, and how did Truro and Penwith College get it?
Only five apprenticeship providers to have achieved Apprenticeship Expert status across the UK, so it’s a big honour.
As an Apprenticeship Expert, the college will have “special flexibilities and permissions” within The Apprenticeship Service. That will mean that it’ll be easier for employers to work with the college in the future, meaning better apprenticeship provision across Cornwall.
The status was awarded to the college after it “demonstrated excellence across a strict range of criteria alongside learner achievement including an exceptional employer feedback rating and strong financial health”, according to a press release.
Truro and Penwith College attribute their success to several factors, including the high quality of the apprenticeship training on offer, and the fact that they took guidance from Cornwall’s Local Skills Improvement Plan and worked with local employers to meet their needs.
The outcome of numerous investments
Since 2022 a string of multi-million-pound investments has seen the college open multiple new buildings and facilities with a focus on Cornwall’s Local Skills Improvement Plan.
Programmes focusing on key subjects that will become ever-more important in the near future – like engineering, construction, nursing and health, electric vehicle and digital and IT programmes – have been developed and rolled out across its Penzance, Truro and Bodmin campuses.
“The college’s continued work and tenacity to support the needs of the Cornish economy and local businesses while improving the life chances of local people, through quality apprenticeship careers and an unprecedented level of investment,” said McKinstry.
“We strive not only to be the very best in Cornwall and Devon, but to provide our learners with one of the nation’s very best learning experiences and progression opportunities as we prepare them for their future careers”.
Interested learners are invited to discover their future and apply online at www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/events.
