EMPLOYERS from the North West have praised Bolton College’s apprentices for their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The college’s business development team has received positive feedback since last March concerning its apprentices’ approach to the challenges of the past 12 months.

St Joseph’s RC High School in Horwich employs four apprentices through Bolton College – three teaching assistant apprentices and one business apprentice.

Rachel Hawkrigg, special educational needs co-ordinator at the school, said: “In what has been one of the most difficult years for working in schools, I have been amazed and humbled by how determined our apprentices have been.

“They have coped and gone above and beyond in supporting our vulnerable young people in school.

“To start an apprenticeship and be met with lockdown, yet to still rise to the challenge of supporting in school - ringing homes, answering multiple emails, supporting online learning with pupils they haven’t even met - just shows the capability, resilience and value of our young people in the workforce,” she added.

Abby Chapman, who owns hairdressing salon Mirror & Mane, was equally impressed with her hairdressing apprentice Caitlin Hesketh.

Abby said: “The periods when we’ve returned to the salon have been all hands on deck, but Caitlin and my other employees have adapted to the situation and kept the salon up and running.”

The business development team was also recognised for its efforts made to help keep things running smoothly.

Jodie and Mike O’Brien, from Makerfield Roof Solutions, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have always had a point of contact from the college to answer any questions and offer reassurance of plans at these uncertain times.”

Matthew Cumberbatch, Projects Manager & Director of Winslow Construction & Renovation added: “Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the college team provided fantastic support with information, advice and guidance on the recruitment and training of apprentices, and also facilitated the company’s access to the allowances and grants available to support the apprentices and their training.”

Kate Wallace, Director of Apprenticeships at Bolton College said: “I’m so proud of the manner in which our apprentices have overcome the challenges they’ve faced over the past year; they’ve shown perseverance and a real maturity and I’m so pleased that our employers are as equally pleased with them as we are.

“I’d also like to give special thanks to our employers. This has been a year like no other, and I know that this has placed enormous pressures and strains on many employers. Not only have they reacted to these and overcome them admirably, they’ve also continued to provide unfaltering support and encouragement for our apprentices and for that, I am extremely grateful. “