THE University of Bolton, Bolton College and Alliance Learning have teamed up to launch a new ‘one stop shop’ for employers and learners.

ConnectED is a unique training collaboration between the three organisations and is based in new offices in the University of Bolton’s Institute of Management (IoM) building in Great Moor Street, Bolton.

It will be a hub where employers and learners can call into to get expert advice on apprenticeships, education and training with business development advisors on hand to help.

All three organisations in the partnership are graded, "good" by Ofsted and deliver their training from state-of-the-art facilities in and around Bolton, as well as at employer premises.

The ConnectED group offers a wide range of apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships, education and training from Level 1 to Level 7, providing the skills and knowledge individuals and businesses are looking for to develop new and existing staff. ConnectED will be launched at a special breakfast networking event on Wednesday June 19 at 7.30am in the IoM.

Kelly Perkin, Alliance Learning CEO, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for all three organisations. Alliance Learning has been engaging with employers for over 52 years. Well planned and delivered training is crucial for businesses. Good training means strong succession planning and being able to plug skills gaps to maximise return on investment. But most of all, training is investment in staff. It can greatly increase the chance of retaining staff.

“Apprenticeships provide great opportunities for people of all ages. Businesses need to understand that taking on an apprentice is taking on an employee and leads to great career opportunities.

“ConnectED will provide a free service, offering expertise, advice about apprenticeships, education and training to employers and learners to enhance careers.

“To now be able to offer employers and apprentices a unique opportunity to develop up to level 7 is an exciting time. This will ensure we can upskill our residents to support Bolton’s 2030 Strategy, which will also boost the North West economy.”

Kate Wallace, Group Director of Apprenticeship for Bolton College and the University of Bolton, said: “Working in partnership with the University of Bolton, Alliance Learning and Bolton College enables employers and learners to clearly see the opportunities available for a full range of training and apprenticeships and career paths.

“The ConnectED brand, brings an exciting opportunity for both Bolton College and the University of Bolton, who both have a long and established reputation for delivering high quality training. We are looking forward to working together to ensure growth in apprenticeships, education and training.”

Book a space at the launch by visiting the ConnectED website https:/www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connected-launch-event-tickets-60182203591