Meet the Employer Training & Apprenticeships Team - Sarah Thorne, Senior Business & Apprenticeship Sales Executive

The team actively works with over 1000 employers to upskill and develop their workforces, in particular focusing on building the skills of tomorrow and ensuring apprenticeships are relevant, responsive and enable apprentices to make a significant contribution to the success of their business; while supporting the apprentices every step of the way.

We caught up with Sarah Thorne, Senior Business and Sales Executive to learn more about her role within the team and the industry pillars she looks after.

“I have worked at GC since 2016, taking on the role as a Business Consultant within the Employer Training and Apprenticeships team in 2018. The main sectors I work in are Education, Local Authorities, Building Services and Housing Sectors covering all apprenticeships from electrical, teaching assistant and leadership and management as well as commercial and government-funded courses.”

What is the most enjoyable thing in your role?

“What I enjoy the most, is nurturing and developing businesses with various skills gaps, creating great relationships with businesses and learners and adapting to the ever-changing training needs in the industry which keeps me on my toes for sure.”

What would you say to an employer who is looking to recruit an apprentice?

“Apprenticeships are an invaluable tool for upskilling in areas that matter most to employers. They are a highly effective route to recruit and train future talent, address skills shortages and develop careers across the business. Learners apply their skills practically from day one of their apprenticeship specific to the job role whilst gaining an industry related qualification.

“Many employers are still unaware of the government funding available for apprentices over 18 and if they are able to engage in an apprenticeship as a mature student. It is lovely to see that anyone of any age has various options to pursue their desired career in.

“Employers also often forget that they can upskill there existing staff through apprenticeships rather than having to recruit new staff.”

What are the employer benefits of employing an apprentice?

“Recruiting an apprentice can help you expand your workforce and its skills base. It is key to understand the employer responsibilities, funding, eligibility and the processes of how to recruit an apprentice. You can contact Gloucestershire College to be signposted to an experienced Apprenticeship Sales Executive who will guide you through the process specific to your requirements and answer any questions that you may have.”

As Gloucestershire’s Training Provider of the Year and a trusted partner of more than 1000 local companies, we understand the skills needs faced by industry sectors and offer apprenticeships, part-time and short courses in a wide range of areas, including: 

• Accountancy (AAT)
• Marketing (CIM)
• HR (CIPD)
• Business Administration
• Customer Service
• Leadership & Management (ILM)
• IT & Cyber Security
• Construction & Building Services
• Motor Vehicle Maintenance
• Education & Early Years
• Dental Nursing
• Hairdressing

Whether you are looking to upskill or re-train your current employees or hire someone new - we are here to help.

View the full list of GC apprenticeship programmes here.

To discuss your training needs and to find out more about programmes available for your business, contact our Employer Training & Apprenticeships team. Call 01452 536400 or email employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk