Gateshead-based Access Training has been delivering the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship for eight years – upskilling hundreds of employees at a wide range of companies including Fairstone Group, Collingwood Business Solutions, University of Sunderland, Avery Dennison, Greenbean, Brewlab and TGA Consulting Engineers.
The Department for Education announced in March that it will no longer fund the course, along with 15 others – a decision that Access Training’s MD, David Armstrong, describes as “disappointing”.
A small number of funded places are now available for the next, and final, course intake which starts this summer.
The programme covers a wide range of transferrable skills such as leading people, managing employees, building relationships and communication and builds knowledge of operational management, project management, finance, management of self and decision making.
A recent group of 10 Team Leader apprentices who studied at Access Training all passed with distinction on the leadership development programme. The learners came from office-based roles, manufacturing, and production environments – each with differing levels of experience.
The apprenticeship, led by Business & Management trainer, Darren Ashton, focuses on building practical leadership capability and workplace confidence, tailored to individual learners.
Darren said: “A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to tailor the team leadership training to each individual. I’m very proud of the group and their achievements. Some were new to education, some were returning and it’s been an absolute pleasure to see them all succeed.”
Several learners have progressed their careers since completing the programme – highlighting the course’s impact beyond the classroom. Among them is Luca Tomassetti, a catering manager at Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, who praised the immediate value of the training.
He said: “The programme has helped me improve my leadership skills, build confidence and make a positive impact on my team. I enjoyed learning practical techniques and management approaches that I could apply straight away.”
The apprenticeship has opened doors to new opportunities. Josh Miller, shift leader at Renolit, was recommended for an operations manager role following completion, while Lucy Ross-Knight of Miller Groundbreaking secured a promotion to marketing manager.
Lucy said: “Darren was an excellent trainer and I felt supported throughout. The sessions were highly relevant to real workplace situations and the skills I’ve developed have helped me grow as a leader and boosted my confidence.”
Former apprentice and now business development consultant at Access Training, Matt Spencer, adds: “I’ve experienced first-hand how the programme helps develop core management skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
“From additional sessions to End Point Assessment preparation, the support learners receive goes above and beyond.”
Final funded places available
With funding for Team Leader and Operations Manager apprenticeships set to be withdrawn, Access Training is offering a limited number of final funded places, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Employers looking to upskill staff or invest in future leadership talent are encouraged to act now to avoid missing out.
To find out more or reserve a place, contact Matt Spencer on 07821 663697 or email mspencer@accesstraining.org.
More than just a training provider…
Gateshead-based Access Training provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, learning & skills teaching, and fire, emergency & security systems.
We have been delivering training programmes for businesses and individuals across the North East for over 40 years. We have a genuine interest in the success of the companies we work with and the people we train, and we aim to provide a personal, bespoke service.