Blackburn College has joined forces with Darwen-based Herbert Parkinson to launch a range of educational opportunities with the textiles manufacturer, backed by John Lewis.
Herbert Parkinson, which is wholly owned by John Lewis, will now have their educational needs met by the number one college in England for Apprentice success.*
The new agreement between Herbert Parkinson and the College has led to the College’s Apprenticeship offer being approved by John Lewis.
Chris Precious, Business Development Officer at Blackburn College said: “John Lewis Central Education and Training Team wished to formally recognise and ratify Blackburn College’s training. This involved a formal audit of our training and delivery with their team.
“For Blackburn College this means formal recognition of the quality and specialism of our skills training and the seal of approval from a major UK retailer.”
Herbert Parkinson currently has 12 employees undertaking Apprenticeship training with Blackburn College. Upon completion of the Apprenticeship, candidates will progress to full-time employment as partners within the John Lewis partnership.
Stuart McDonald, Head of Branch at Herbert Parkinson, said:
“Herbert Parkinson has been investing in apprenticeships for several years. Just recently the business invested in a new Learning Centre and a dedicated apprenticeship Cell in operations, where the apprentices manufacture the 7 Day Curtain Hanging Samples for all the John Lewis stores, a great example of the John Lewis Partnership investing in UK Apprentices.
“Working alongside Blackburn College, it’s great to see the benefit this brings to the business. From an academic perspective, our apprentices’ gain hands-on tuition, both in the Learning Centre and in the operational Cell, which results in an industry-recognised academic qualification.
“From a business perspective, Herbert Parkinson views this as an investment in the future.
“The quality of training provided by Blackburn College provides hands-on experience in Operations, and has a direct business impact on; quality of product; wastage and productivity.
“Both the business and our apprentices’ benefit from this longer term view. I would have no hesitation in recommending Blackburn College as a training provider.”
For more information about Apprenticeships and to see the Apprenticeship vacancies currently available at Blackburn College visit: www.blackburn.ac.uk/apprenticejobs
