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Boost your workforce with apprenticeships

Truro and Penwith College is Cornwall and Devon’s top College for apprenticeship achievement. In March 2025 we were awarded ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards (ATA). We are also Cornwall’s only ‘Expert Apprenticeship Provider’ and one of only five FE Colleges in the UK to have been awarded this status by the Department for Education.

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Understanding the Benefits of Apprenticeships for an Employer

Apprenticeships are suitable for people at any age and any level so you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, allowing you to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. They help you to:

  • Offer on-the-job training in a safe working environment
  • Build a culture of learning and development
  • Enjoy higher staff retention and morale
  • Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Download the Employer Handbook

A Cost-Effective Training Option

If you are a smaller employer, you are eligible for government funding which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs. If you are a large employer, you can use your levy to pay for your apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeships are also a fantastic way to recruit and nurture talent to tackle skills shortages, overcome capacity challenges and ensure new opportunities or revenue streams can continue alongside normal operations.

Aligned with Employer Need and our Future Economy

Partnerships with Cornwall’s top employers and our Expert Apprenticeship Provider status, awarded by the DfE, allows us to work even closer with employers and external agencies to adapt and design cutting-edge apprenticeships to meet Cornwall’s current and future needs in line with the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Future-Focused Facilities

Employers can access state-of-the-art facilities such as the South West Institute of Technology building and the STEM & Health Skills Centre, both equipped with some of the best Engineering and Digital facilities the UK has to offer. The college has also invested in other cutting-edge facilitys to bridge the gap between education and industry. Further examples of this include our Electric Vehicle Labs, Nursing Simulation Suites, industry-standard Hair & Beauty Salons, Commercial Kitchens, Renewable Construction Skills Centre and modern Business training facilities. Employers can be confident their apprentices will receive top-quality training in first-class facilities and learning environments.

A photo of two men stood smiling at the camera. One is in chef's uniform and the other is in a jumper and body warmer. The Chef is holding an award. There are large ferns behind them.
Heligan has become an even better place to work because of its commitment to Apprenticeships. We believe we are an example of how businesses and learners all benefit from a well-run Apprenticeship programme and I have loved seeing all of our learner’s progress, improve and grow during their time with us.
Ramon Van de Velde
The Lost Gardens of Heligan

92%

Of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce

86%

Said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation

80%

Have seen a significant increase in employee retention