Meet our New Head of Apprenticeships

Jenny Dryden has been appointed as the new Head of Apprenticeships at Loughborough College. She is a practised professional with over 18 years of experience in the field of apprenticeships.

Throughout her career in Apprenticeship provision, Jenny has adapted to many industry changes, integrating technology and evolving with the methods of instructing in theory and practice.

She envisions a bright future for apprenticeships with increased demand driven by technological advancements and emphasises the importance of partnerships between academia and industry to help bridge the skills gap in areas such as Engineering and demands of the Health and Social Care sector.   

We asked Jenny a few question our employers might like to know the answers to.

What are your initial plans to innovate Loughborough College Apprenticeships to better suit employer needs?

Firstly, it is vital that we foster closer ties with industries to understand their evolving needs. Our training models must be flexible and allow apprentices and employers to customise learning based on specific job roles or emerging skill demands and we will still keep developing those soft skills, the skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure apprentices are equipped with a well-rounded skill set that meets the demands of modern workplaces.

How will you and your team engage with employers to customise the apprenticeship programmes?

We establish regular feedback loops with employers to evaluate the effectiveness of apprenticeship programmes and identify areas for improvement. This iterative approach ensures that apprenticeships remain responsive to evolving employer needs and industry trends.

How do you see technology being used to improve apprenticeship management and learning?

We utilise technology such as virtual reality simulations, online learning platforms, and interactive training modules to enhance the learning experience, but let’s not forget the valuable of hands-on experience the apprentices will receive in the work environment.

What's your long-term plan for the apprenticeship programme and how will you measure success?

For the long-term success of the apprenticeship programme the focus must be on continuous improvement of our offer and the delivery model to included expansion and diversity, skill development and employment opportunities

To measure of our success, will use various metrics like retention rates of apprentices post-programme, feedback from apprentices regarding their learning experience and preparedness for employment, plus the success stories of former apprentices who have transitioned into successful careers and the reputation of our programme within the industries.

By focusing on these aspects and regularly evaluating our progress, we can ensure that the apprenticeship programme continues to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives and careers of participants.