The College has been leading the way nationally, winning the prestigious Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2025 title at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA), as well as being named the South West’s top provider for Apprenticeships by the Department for Education.
This success has sparked a significant increase in interest from young people keen to earn while they learn, with more than 150 approved apprenticeship applicants currently seeking employer placements across Cornwall ahead of this autumn.
Each applicant has already been assessed and approved by specialist faculty teams and is ready to enter the workplace. Employers are fully supported throughout the process by the College’s Industry Engagement Team, from recruitment through to qualification. The team can advise on apprentice support, available training, and the latest Government incentives for businesses investing in young talent.
The value apprentices bring to employers is exemplified by Holly Doran, who was recently crowned Cornwall Apprentice of the Year. Determined to succeed, Holly lived in a self-renovated van to avoid a daily commute from Plymouth, consistently submitted work months ahead of schedule, and led a team in creating a Cornwall Spring Flower Show exhibit that officials said met the standards of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Reflecting on her award, Holly said:
“I feel elated and very humbled. It’s lovely to get confirmation that I’m on the right path with my work.”
There has never been a better time to invest in early talent. New Government support includes a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers hiring eligible 18–24-year-olds and a £2,000 incentive for SMEs recruiting young apprentices.
If your business could benefit from investing in Cornwall’s future workforce, contact the Industry Engagement Team at apprenticeships@truro-penwith.ac.uk.
