GMLPF
.net
GREATER MERSEYSIDE LEARNING PROVIDERS FEDERATION
Meet former apprentice and Chief Executive
of Greater Merseyside Learners Providers
Federation James Glendenning.
The Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation
(GMLPF) is a network of local training and education
companies who provide Apprenticeships and education
and training courses that assist school leavers in
preparing for, and accessing, the first rung of their
career ladder. Good2Go! magazine met with chief
executive James Glendenning, who started his own
career as an apprentice.
Hi James, it’s fantastic that you started your career
as an apprentice and now you’re leading GMLPF.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I was in my second year at 6th form, but really wanted to start earning
when I saw an advert for an apprenticeship. I discussed it with my family,
as it involved leaving 6th form before sitting my A-Level exams, and they
were very supportive of the idea. My dad began his road to becoming a
Mechanical Engineer with a shipbuilding apprenticeship so my parents
were very aware of what a great grounding an apprenticeship is for an
excellent career. My apprenticeship was in Business and Administration,
which taught me all about operational systems and processes required
for working in an office. It was a great continuation of my education, and
allowed me to start earning my first wage. During my Apprenticeship, I
was employed by Merseyside Training and Enterprise Council where I
learned about skills development and training.
It has taken a good few years to get to the position where I was ready to
lead GMLPF. My Apprenticeship put me on the first rung of the career
ladder. With vocational learning there’s absolutely nothing to stop you
reaching the very top. An Apprenticeship starts at level 2 but you can
continue right up to level 4 or 5. Apprenticeships provide employment and
study, for sector specific qualifications, allow you to continually learn and
develop, and impact positively on your future career and earning power.
Not everyone has the ultimate aspiration of running the
company, what advice do you have for pupils currently
leaving school who don’t feel ready yet for the world of work?
I would always advise anyone who is at a training or career crossroads to
seek out as much as information as possible. Do your online research, ask
your family, ask teachers, do your homework, gather as much information
as possible; you really want to make as informed a choice as you can.
Starting on an apprenticeship is a choice about starting a career and
picking which sector you’re going to build your career in - so get informed.
We have a really useful tool on the GMLPF website called Mapped Out.
It’s an online training directory where you can explore the training
options that are out there including apprenticeships, traineeships,
study programmes and NVQs. Also I really recommend the National
Apprenticeship Website (www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/overview)
where you can see a full list of all apprenticeship opportunities and current
vacancies - you can even apply online, it couldn’t be simpler.
Can our readers get help accessing work-based training
from their school?
Since secondary schools were issued with statutory guidance to ensure
independent careers guidance for all students from years 8-13, we have
found ourselves working with them more and more. Statutory guidance
covers many areas but we are available to assist schools in delivering the
duties associated with promoting apprenticeships and the range of
education/training and vocational pathways opportunities available.
Our members – providers of Apprenticeships, Key to Apprenticeships
and other vocational courses - deliver qualifications and training in every
feasible sector and industry. This means we are in a position to link
schools with a range of providers, and employers, who are perfectly
placed to give students information on the types of training and
qualifications required of many different professions.
We have recently seen a significant increase in invitations from schools to
attend careers fairs. We can also provide parent workshops, pupil friendly
presentations and Q&A sessions. We are here to support schools
wherever possible. Careers teachers in schools can find out more by
contacting the GMLPF Schools Support team on 0151 707 8775.
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Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
GMLPF.net
Key to Apprenticeships
But what is
Key2Apprenticeships?
Key2Apprenticeships is a training programme for
16 to 18 year olds who are about to, or have
already left school. It provides the skills that
boost your chances of getting an apprenticeship.
The K2A courses are funded by GMLPF and are a great option if you:
There are Key2Apprenticeships courses in many different job
areas to help you achieve your career aims and the course will
provide you with
Work placements • Qualifications • Skills
• Pass Maths & English • Apprenticeship Opportunities
Have looked at the industries we offer courses in and would like
a career in one of them
You don’t need qualifications to apply but ideally you should have an
idea of the type of job you’d like.
prefer vocational, on the job training to being at school or
college full time
For more information about a Key 2 Apprenticeship course please
visit www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk
Do not have the entry requirements for an Apprenticeship
right now
Would like the opportunity to perhaps achieve a level 2
qualification are committed to progressing onto an
Apprenticeship or other training programme
University a HIT
for music students
You might find it hard to imagine a group of young people, left
disillusioned by school, suddenly deciding that they want to go on to
higher education. That’s exactly what happened with a group of
Key2Apprenticeship students studying Music Technology at Mode
Training when they visited Staffordshire University.
Their K2A course is designed to help young people gain the skills
they need to start a career in the music industry experiencing
producing music, DJ’ing or being part of a band - even for pupils with
no school qualifications.
Pathway to university
During their time at Mode, students can achieve an NVQ Level 2 in
Music Technology, but that’s not quite enough to get them onto a
university course, and many don’t see higher education as
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something suited to them anyway. The team at Mode are setting
about changing that view and the training centre is developing a
pathway to university. Students who complete their level 2 Music
Technology will be able to progress onto the Level 3. This
qualification will provide an entry route to a degree in Music
Technology, as an alternative to the traditional A-level route. All that
may sound like a bit of an uphill struggle for students who weren’t
over enamoured by their school years, so when Mode were invited
to visit Staffs Uni they took 15 K2A students along.
Whilst the students were visiting they got to produce a music track
so that it was release-ready. Mode assessor Lee said ‘The
atmosphere at the uni was very different to school and our
students were excited about the studios being available roundthe-clock. They came back even more focused and feeling that a
degree and a solid career path was something within their reach’.
Nobody should be put off getting in touch even if they didn’t
succeed at school or get any qualifications.
Vocational College tops list of
most successful Private FE providers
The Vocational College are leaders in providing education for
post 16 studies at a national level. Offering Apprenticeships,
Traineeships and Study Programmes in areas such as
Construction, Glazing and Fenestration, Media, Sport, Beauty
Therapy, Hospitality and Catering along with Horticulture and
Business Administration. The college boasts a wealth of
experience and depth, that few, if any, other similar
organisations can offer.
In over twenty years, they have enrolled approximately 30,000
learners and certificated close to 80,000 accredited, industry
relevant qualifications.
Established in 1995, the college has consistently promoted the
delivery of industry specific skills that are in demand and recognised
by employers nationwide.
With contracts from organisations such as the Education Funding
Agency, Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund, the
college are well established in the provision of vocational training. With
a substantial governmental focus being applied to vocational training
and Apprenticeships, companies in need of a skilled workforce are
increasingly seeking the skills on offer with training providers like The
Vocational College. The need for industry relevant qualifications is
constantly expanding and based on current success rates, you can be
sure that your time with The Vocational College will give a real and
substantial boost to your career and employment prospects.
In a recent publication of FE Weekly, The Vocational College was
recognised as the top private national provider of apprenticeships.
This means that with a 91.7% success rate of 650 learners, The
Vocational College are the most successful large private provider of
apprenticeships in the country.
Out of all providers, whether
publically funded, charities or private,
the college just missed out on
matching the success rates of the
Royal Air Force and the League
Football Association, who earned a
95% and 92.1% success rate
respectively. It is impressive to note
that the college gained a higher
success rate than companies such
as HSBC, The Mitie Group and even
The British Army learners.
They pride themselves not only upon the qualifications achieved,
but the destinations that these lead to. They utilise the strengths
of Apprenticeship and Traineeship schemes to build relationships
with employers and provide learners with real pathways into full time
employment.
Top 5 apprenticeships success rates for providers with 500 or more leavers
Name
Royal Air Force
League Football Education
The Vocational College
HSBC
Mitie Group
Leavers
Success Rate
1000
660
650
520
830
95.00%
92.10%
91.70%
91.30%
91.20%
K E Y2 A P P R E N T I C E S H I P S
Text ‘KEY’ to 88802 to learn more t
Ts&Cs - SMS to be included in regular updates about Key2apprenticeships, you will be given the opportunity to opt out of future updates, we never share your data with any third parties.
Qualifications not required
Vocational programmes
For 16-18 year olds
Boost your chances of an apprenticeship
Vacan
cies in
many
differe
nt
indust
ries
Succeed at interview & get a job
www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk
/Key2Apprenticeships
0151 707 8775
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Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
GMLPF.net
Training for a Successful Career
with the challenges of Autism
Joe Garcia’s eyes light up when he talks about his
football club Liverpool and the young children he
is helping navigate often troubled waters.
This incredible young man is working as a teaching assistant, which
once would have seemed impossible. But – on a daily basis – he is
helping diagnose primary school children as having the same
challenges he faced himself during his early school years.
Overcoming Hurdles
“After starting school in mainstream education
near to his home, something wasn’t right for Joe.
Eventually he spent a number of weeks in an
assessment centre where his autism was
diagnosed. He was then accepted as a pupil into a
specialist school where they understood him
better and had an appreciation of the daily hurdles
he experienced such as dealing with crowds and
noise.
The K2A provider, Riverside LEC were instrumental in getting Joe’s
career off to a flying start encouraging work based experience
whilst still at school. This and the enrichment he gained through
his Duke of Edinburgh awards helped Joe build the confidence to
step onto a K2A course.
Receiving this relevant training and the real-world work experience,
Joe’s confidence grew. Now aged 18, he’s on a full time apprenticeship
at a primary school that has made a significant contribution to
developing his potential.
“After ool
sch
startingstream
in maination,
educ ing
somethright
wasn’t e.”
for Jo
When he first started at senior school, even taking the bus was a
challenge. But a few years on Joe has spread his wings way beyond
his once compact comfort zone. Not only does he make his own way
to work on a daily basis, he even enjoys being part of the crowd
supporting Liverpool at Anfield.
Getting It Right
Joe is a great example of how when schools, training providers
and the family work together there can be a happy ending.
Full Time Employment
Entirely unassuming, it’s easy to see why Joe’s demeanour
is perfect for this job. He says: ‘It can be challenging but the
kids are fantastic. When they are struggling, I can relate to it
and help calm them down or give them encouragement
where it’s needed’. However, nobody is going to pull the wool
over this savvy young man’s eyes. Joe adds: ‘We still have to
keep an eye on them as they can be strong willed too! That
doesn’t stop it being a dream come true to be working as a teaching
assistant’.
Paul Feaver who heads up Riverside LEC speaks highly of Joe:
‘We’d like to see more students like Joe who, despite adversity,
have got on the career ladder. The Key2Apprenticeships
programme can be styled around the needs of the individual
student, no matter what their experience of school. Joe really
is a shining light to any young person who thinks that their
individuality is a barrier to having a career.’
MAPPED OUT directory of training options
GMLPF has developed a live online directory of
Apprenticeships and other training opportunities
that are available for young people aged 16 to 18 in
Wirral and Merseyside.
Mapped Out Online has been designed to help you explore the
training options available when you leave school. Options include
Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Study Programmes and NVQs and
are searchable by industry sector.
James Glendenning, chief executive of GMLPF said: “Mapped Out
Online is one of the projects that GMLPF has invested in to help
Merseyside’s young people start successful careers by developing
their skills. Sometimes the first step in this important journey can be
the most difficult – researching the options and just finding out
exactly what courses and opportunities are out there. Mapped Out
lists courses from over 60 Merseyside training providers and colleges
to hep overcoming this first hurdle.”
The directory provides useful information such as the location
of training providers and colleges who provide the courses,
transport routes and details of additional support available
including financial support.
Mapped Out Online is a useful tool for individuals and
organisations that advise and guide young people in their
career choices including schools, parents, careers advisors,
youth centres and community organisations.
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Visit Mapped Out Online:
www.gmlpf.net/mappedout
Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
Mode tutor is UK
winner of Revlon
Style Masters
competition
GMLPF.net
GMLPF funds
online screening
tool to help
identify dyslexic
students
GMLPF is funding a free online screening tool to help identify
dyslexic students. Dyslexia Check is a collaboration between
the international charity, Dyslexia Foundation, and Liverpoolbased training provider tpm, both pioneers in the field of
dyslexia identification and support. tpm, one of GMLPF’s
longest standing members, is arguably Merseyside’s leading
training provider in this arena. The new service is funded and
supported by the GMLPF Challenge Fund, a £200K initiative to
support skills development across Liverpool City region.
Mode hairdressing tutor, Joanne McCormick
has been named UK winner of Revlon’s Style
Masters International Competition.
And the winner is……
A team from Revlon made the journey from London to surprise
Joanne with the announcement during a Mode team meeting. As
the UK winner of this years Style Masters competition, Joanne will
join 70 country winners competing for the global winners crown
and prize fund worth more than 10,000 euros at the final in Rome.
Inspiring students
To add to the excitement Mode hairdressing tutor Michael Flood
was awarded UK 3rd place in the same competition, an amazing
achievement considering both tutors only entered so they could
empower their students in preparation for next year’s competition.
Graham Oakes from Revlon said “The standard of entrants this
year had been outstanding, Michael and Joanne’s achievement
should be celebrated I am confident the creativity and flair in their
work will inspire Mode students to follow in their tutor’s footsteps.”
Specialist support
It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in
the UK have dyslexia, with many
going through life undiagnosed.
Individuals who do not have their
dyslexia diagnosed miss out on
specialist support which can enable
them to overcome barriers t
personal and professional success.
Reliable, on-demand service
Dyslexia Check provides learning providers with a reliable,
on-demand service to screen students for the condition. Once
identified, learning providers can then draw up a schedule of
appropriate support that will enable their dyslexic students to
achieve their full potential.
James Glendenning, CEO of GMLPF comments: “GMLPF is
very pleased to be funding tpm to undertake this project.
The aim of the GMLPF Challenge Fund is to support projects
that enable experts like tpm to hone their expertise to make
a positive difference.
“Equality of opportunity is a vital feature of our region’s training
infrastructure. But many dyslexic students still go undiagnosed.
This is why we’re supporting tpm‘s online facility that allows the
condition to be identified, so students can go on to access the
resources they are entitled to and the support they need to
achieve their full potential.”
To find out more about Apprenticeships, Traineeships,
Study Programmes, Key to Apprenticeships and other
training, you can speak directly to a local training centre or
college. They are all listed at www.gmlpf.net/mappedout
Dyslexia Check is in the first instance available exclusively to
training providers who are contracted with GMLPF to deliver the
Key 2 Apprenticeship programme. Other training providers who
are interested in accessing the service should contact
[email protected]
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