Finding skilled, reliable team members is an ongoing challenge for employers in construction, building services, automotive, education, and accountancy.
That’s why businesses are turning to apprenticeships as a long-term investment in their workforce.
, a respected training provider in the South of England, is helping employers do just that.
Formed in 2021 following the merger of Highbury College and Portsmouth College, COPC builds on over 60 years of apprenticeship expertise.
Today, it continues to train hundreds of apprentices in high-demand sectors, connecting businesses with motivated, work-ready individuals eager to learn and grow.
Shaped by industry, built for business
What makes COPC stand out is its deep and ongoing collaboration with industry.
Apprenticeship programmes are developed in partnership with respected professional bodies, including the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
This ensures all training is aligned with real-world needs.
Input from employer advisory boards keeps content current and practical, while every tutor brings their own industry background into the classroom.
Training is delivered in purpose-built environments that replicate modern workplaces, helping apprentices hit the ground running from day one.
Hassle-free recruitment and support
For employers, the benefits go well beyond curriculum quality.
COPC offers a completely free recruitment service that takes the stress out of hiring.
The college advertises, shortlists, and screens candidates to match each business’s specific needs, presenting only those with the right mindset and motivation.
A dedicated support team is available throughout the entire apprenticeship journey - from recruitment and onboarding to training delivery and completion.
The college has invested significantly in this team to ensure it has the skills and expertise needed to support employers at every stage and make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
This is especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses without in-house HR teams.
Generous funding and financial incentives
Apprenticeships are not just practical - they’re also cost-effective.
For non-levy-paying businesses, the government covers 95% of training costs through co-investment, meaning employers only need to contribute 5%.
From April 1, the government will fund 100% of the apprenticeship cost for individuals aged 16 to 21. Apprentices aged 22 or over require a 5% employer contribution, unless they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and the employer has fewer than 50 staff, in which case full funding may still apply.
For eligible smaller businesses, the college’s team can also help connect them with larger companies willing to share unused funds through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, reducing or even removing the cost entirely.
On top of that, employers may be eligible for an extra £1,000 incentive per apprentice, depending on age and circumstances.
begins to maximise funding and secure a September start.
Real business impact
Whether businesses are looking to recruit fresh talent or upskill their existing workforce, apprenticeships through COPC offer long-term value.
Apprentices bring in new ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn - all while developing technical skills tailored to the job.
Research consistently shows that employers who hire apprentices see improvements across the board.
More than 90% report increased motivation and satisfaction among staff, while 80% say apprenticeships have helped them boost employee retention and competitiveness.
These benefits are more than just statistics. One COPC apprentice, James Rowland, won silver in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ WorldSkills competition for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, outperforming peers from across the country.
, the college delivers IMI-accredited training to major employers like Halfords and ProTyre.
, the AAT programmes (Levels 2–4) delivered in partnership with Mindful Education are helping apprentices begin the path to becoming chartered professionals.
A proven partner for apprenticeship success
City of Portsmouth College doesn’t just deliver training - it builds strong, collaborative relationships with employers.
Courses are refined regularly based on feedback and evolving industry demands.
The team takes pride in going the extra mile to support local businesses and ensure apprenticeships deliver real results.
The opportunity is clear for business owners, directors, and , building services, accountancy, and automotive services.
With funding available, zero-cost recruitment, and expert guidance from a provider that understands your sector, you’d be a fool not to explore what COPC has to offer.
Find out more
For further information or to arrange a no-obligation conversation about taking on an apprentice or upskilling your current team, contact City of Portsmouth College on 02392 328 880, email business@copc.ac.uk or .