A report evaluating the benefits of Apprenticeships for Learners has shown that nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice (96%) report benefits to their business and 72% of businesses report improved productivity.

In today’s uncertain economic climate, there has never been a better time to demonstrate the genuine benefits Apprenticeships bring to employers and the difference they can make to young people’s lives.


Not only are Apprenticeships a fantastic way for young people to earn while they learn in a real job, but they can also help businesses grow their own talent.

Something that nursery owner Chrissie Cambridge understands only too well.
As one of the most well respected nursery owners in the area, Chrissie Cambridge relies on having highly qualified staff to provide excellence in education and care to meet the individual needs of children.


This is why Chrissie has worked closely with Trafford College from the onset to deliver a range of qualifications to staff in the workplace to ensure that her Nurseries not only meet, but exceed government standards and the expectations of their customers.


She comments, “I started working with the College when I set up my first nursery called ‘Chestnuts’ about 19 years ago. We have, and will continue, to work together in recognising and delivering learning pathways that suit both the Nursery and our staff’s individual professional developmental needs.


Chestnuts is still going strong and Chrissie has not only established Beeches Day Nursery, but also Acorns Day Nursery – today employing a total of 46 members of staff across all three sites. This incredible development of her business is due to her acute understanding of both the childcare industry, and how education plays a huge part in the overall business strategy and sustainability.


“When your staff have achieved a certain level of competency in their job role, it provides them with avenues of opportunity for not only themselves, but also to share their experience and expertise with others. We don’t want a single person at the top of the business with all the skills required. We want our staff to act as mentors and transfer their skills onto others.”


Chrissie prides herself on having 100% of staff qualified (Government requirement is 50%), and believes that training people in the workplace is essential in developing an affective workforce.


“Learning within a working environment provides people with the opportunity to develop their ‘soft skills’, which are essential when working in a customer facing organisation. However, it is important that we strike a balance between these practical skills and the theory skills.”


Chrissie has nothing but praise for her Trafford College Business Training representative Margaret Carlisle, who she believes recognises the needs of her business and helps maintain their incredibly high standards.


“As a business it is imperative that we are able to continue to provide a first class service to our customers, whilst at the same time ensuring our staff are receiving the most appropriate training.

"Margaret comes into the workplace and tailors programmes, including Maths and English, and works around our business – how good is that?!”

Angela May has visited our Nurseries regularly over the years and has helped many of our Staff to achieve their goals. It is a pleasure to work with all the staff in the Early Years Team.”


Chrissie has some sage advice to give to businesses who are considering using Trafford College to enhance the skills set of their employees.

“Identify the needs of your business and your staff, and also any risks to your business if you don’t up-skill staff. I have always used the College as our Early Years training provider as it always meet our needs and look forward to.”