Finding skilled, reliable team members is an ongoing challenge for employers in construction, building services, automotive, and accountancy.
That’s why more and more businesses are turning to apprenticeships - not just as a recruitment tool, but as a long-term investment in their workforce.
City of Portsmouth College (COPC), 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.
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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.
This is especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses without in-house HR teams. COPC handles all the admin and red tape, allowing employers to focus on running their business.
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In short, it’s never been easier to grow your team. As the campaign puts it, you’d be a fool not to take on an apprentice, especially when someone else does the paperwork for you.
Generous funding and financial incentives
Apprenticeships are not just practical - they’re also cost-effective.
For non-levy paying businesses, 95% of training costs are covered by the government through co-investment.
Employers only need to contribute 5%. In some cases, even that’s waived.
If the apprentice is aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), up to 100% of training costs can be funded.
On top of that, employers may be eligible for an extra £1,000 incentive per apprentice, depending on age and circumstances.
To maximise funding and secure a September start, businesses are encouraged to act now and register interest before the new academic year begins.
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 海角视频 WorldSkills competition for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - outperforming peers from across the country.
In the automotive sector, the college delivers IMI-accredited training to major employers like Halfords and ProTyre.
In accountancy, 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 managers in construction, engineering, 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 to 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 328 830, email business@copc.ac.uk or visit