A class apart

School takes on 24 apprentices

THE success of the 100 in 100 campaign in championing apprenticeships and boosting skills is being played out in emphatic style at one Oldham school.

New Bridge, in Roman Road, Hollinwood, initially advertised for one ICT apprentice to help the current computer technicians. In the end they signed up 24 learners.

Following discussions with apprenticeship providers, The Oldham College and the National Apprenticeship Service, it has signed up an additional 16 Level 3 teaching assistant apprentices and seven diploma-in-teaching assistants, some from their own staff.

Heather Gibbons, human resources manager at the school, said: “New Bridge prides itself in engaging all our staff in high-quality training packages.

“We are delighted that local people can join our organisation and learn, alongside our excellent team, the skills required to work in schools.”

Mrs Gibbons said established staff were very interested with the opportunity to pursue further training, which in turn would help the achievements of young people at the school.

She added: “The staff team at New Bridge is our greatest and most valuable resource. As an organisation, we are always striving to engage our team in a self-improvement agenda.

“We do not hide the fact that we want a highly-motivated and skilled workforce.

“High-quality training packages impact directly on the progress and achievements of our young people.”