DCG currently supports more than 2,300 apprentices across a wide range of industries, providing young people with paid training, recognised qualifications and a clear route into employment.
The Government has confirmed a £725 million investment to expand and strengthen apprenticeships.
Planned changes include funding for an additional 50,000 apprenticeships, the removal of co-investment fees for SMEs training 16 to 24-year-olds, and a new £140 million pilot programme empowering local leaders to match skills training to regional workforce needs.
These reforms are designed to improve access to training in high-demand sectors such as engineering, digital technology, health, and construction.
Among those benefiting from this pathway is 21-year-old Jensen Stanley, who has recently secured a permanent CAD technician position at FP McCann, the UK’s largest manufacturer of precast concrete products.
Jensen completed his Level 3 Civil Engineering, Construction Support Technician apprenticeship at DCG earlier this year, graduating with a double distinction.
After progressing from a Level 2 Engineering course into an apprenticeship, Jensen now works on complex infrastructure design projects using advanced software such as Tekla Structures.
He is one of two DCG apprentices recently retained by FP McCann and hopes to continue his studies with a degree in civil engineering through his employer.
Heather Kelly, Deputy CEO of Derby College Group, said:
“We welcome these national reforms, but our focus remains on ensuring they translate into real careers for young people.
“At DCG we see every day how apprenticeships change lives, students earn a wage, apply their learning in the workplace, and many secure permanent roles, just like Jensen.
We are cautiously optimistic that increased funding and localised decision-making will help more businesses take on apprentices and help more young people access routes into engineering, construction, digital and other vital sectors.”
