THE company that works hand in had with Trafford Council in delivering services has now linked up with Trafford College.

Amey, which delivers waste collections, street cleansing, grounds maintenance, highways and property services through the One Trafford Partnership with the council, is partnering with Trafford College to deliver its apprenticeship training.

The firm signed an innovative agreement with Collab Group of Colleges to manage its apprenticeship training provision across the UK.

Collab Group, which represents 36 leading colleges including Trafford College, will use the network of colleges to deliver apprenticeship training across a wide range of areas including highways, engineering and rail as well as providing team leader and management training for senior employees.

Amey says it is dedicated to investing in its employees and creating a talented, diverse and sustainable workforce.

Since 2010 the company has hired more than 650 apprentices who, in addition to their technical and personal development training, have the opportunity to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

This year will see their 500th apprentice enrol onto the award. The award gives people the opportunity to develop life-skills like problem-solving and team working, which are vital in the workplace.

Ian Deninson, Amey’s group HR and communications director, said: “We strongly believe in investing in our apprentices and employees, allowing them to gain the skills and confidence that will serve them through a long career with us.

“With a diverse range of apprenticeships available and with our UK geographical spread, we believe that working in partnership with Collab Group, with their locally based colleges will support our apprentices ensuring they have access to tailored and professional training that’s local to them.”

Ian Pretty, Collab Group’s CEO, said: ‘We are continuing to challenge the traditional approach of apprenticeship delivery by offering Amey and others access to our unique, national managed service model.

"The recent introduction of the apprenticeship levy presents a great opportunity for the industry to continue to invest in the creation and development of a sustainable and highly skilled workforce.

“Our colleges are deeply embedded in their local communities, and our national delivery network across the UK makes us uniquely placed to offer customised and flexible provision to a range of clients within the engineering industry and beyond.

“We are really looking forward to working with Amey to invest in their talent and harness the collective expertise of our network of forward thinking and dynamic colleges.”

Pablo Lloyd, CEO Activate Apprenticeships, said: "This is a true partnership with Amey Plc and other Collab Group members.

"We are delighted to be chosen as lead provider, and will bring our experience of complex multi-site delivery to make sure Amey apprentices and business units receive a service which is both flexible and consistently high quality."