NWRC’s perfect partnership – HLAs and Industry

Dozens of local companies are playing a vital role in shaping the careers of talented individuals through the Department for the Economy funded Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) programme at North West Regional College (NWRC).

Among them is Hunter Apparel Solutions who are part of an expanding group of regional employers acquiring HLAs and providing them with the foundations for a successful long-term career. NWRC has led the way in developing the HLA provision within Northern Ireland based on strong links with academic partners and industry.

HLAs enable participants to earn while they learn and gain a nationally recognised higher-level qualification. Apprentices can be new employees or current employees seeking to upskill or transition into new roles within a company.

For the past two years, Hunter Apparel Solutions has employed two Higher Level Apprentices, Jadem Diven, in the Finance Department completing a HLA in Accounting, and Jack McCorkell, Business & Enterprise HLA, gaining hands-on experience across departments including warehousing, customer service, and marketing.

Blathnaid McCole, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited said: “HLAs have brought a new pathway for people to get employment and learn while studying. Jaden and Jack have been a breath of fresh air and brought a great energy to the teams they have been working with, they have also taught us some things along the way too.”

She added that the partnership with NWRC has been very successful: “NWRC have regular check ins with the employer and the student to ensure that both parties are getting what they need, and everything is progressing as it should.

“This opportunity has been undervalued for a long time and now that we are seeing the success and benefits of it, I would strongly encourage a lot more employers to take on an apprentice.

“I am genuinely so pleased that both of our students have come to work in Hunter Apparel. Seeing them grow, develop and mature over the past 2 years has been something I feel very proud of, and they should be very proud of themselves too. They have demonstrated that this is an incredible opportunity to get into a company and work hard. They do not feel like students, they feel like part of Team Hunter. Everyone within the company is championing their development and behind them in getting their qualifications.”

Orlaith McEleney, Skills Development Officer for HLAs at NWRC said: “Our HLAs have learned valuable skills during their time at Hunter Apparel. Working four days a week with one day in the college, apprentices spend most of their time with their employer engaged in real job roles and challenges, so they are gaining directly relevant skills. HLAs are an excellent way to retain current staff through upskilling, or an opportunity to train and recruit new staff. Our results have shown HLAs often progress with the company they are placed and grow within the business through innovation and increased productivity.”

If you are part of a business interested in employing a HLA please contact Orlaith.mceleney@nwrc.ac.uk