CRAVEN College is celebrating after it was ranked top apprenticeship provider across Yorkshire and Humberside.

Following the publication of the 2022/23 national apprenticeship data, the Skipton-based college's overall achievement of 67 per cent has placed it 15th out of 152 when compared against general further education colleges, and the highest ranked in the district.

It will be a welcome boost for the college which last month was told by Ofsted it 'required improvement' - although it was ranked 'good' in the area of apprenticeships.

Richard Swires, apprenticeship manager at the college, said, “We are incredibly proud of the committed and hard-working staff that have made this level of achievement possible and kept the college at the top of the league tables.”

And, Duncan Bulloch, interim assistant principal curriculum, added: “We are very proud of our excellent pass rates, which pays testament to the quality of training that is delivered by our well-trained and specialist staff. These results show an exceptionally high first-time pass rates at the end-point assessments.

"We foster excellent employer relationships to ensure that our apprentices get the training tailored to their workplace, as well as support for the employer with the administration associated with apprenticeships.

"Our flexible approach to delivery means that learning can be completed through online sessions, in the workplace and at Craven College, utilising our highly specialised facilities and equipment.”

The college offers more than 30 different apprenticeships, including a range of land-based routes, all of which are aimed at the needs of local employers, emerging skills gaps and the succession planning of an older workforce.

National Education and Skills Funding Agency achievement data released in mid-March, showed that the college had for the tenth year, equalled or bettered 90 per cent of other general further education colleges across the country. Apprenticeships have been independently assessed since 2019 which compounded by Covid, has made achievement in this area a greater challenge.

It will be a welcome boost for the college which last month was told by Ofsted it 'required improvement'. Previously ranked 'good' the college was marked as requiring improvement overall and in areas of leadership and management, education programmes for young people and behaviour and attitudes. It was however given a 'good' ranking in the quality of education, personal development, adult learning, apprenticeships and provision for learners with high needs.

The college, which was said to have had 'significant turbulence' in its leadership over the last five years, recently named Anita Lall as its new principal and chief executive officer.

To find out more about apprenticeships at Craven College, go to www.craven-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships/