Bolton College of Medical Sciences is an exciting £40M new build and one lucky Bolton College apprentice, Jake Hough, is working on the project.

Jake, 18, secured a Level 4 Site Supervisor Apprenticeship after impressing bosses at Willmott Dixon, who are leading the build.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Bolton, Bolton College, Bolton Council and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.   

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Jake to see why an Apprenticeship was for him, and what it’s like working on such an exciting and ambitious project.

Jake said: “Initially I was completing a T Level in Construction at the College, but when Willmott Dixon offered one Level 4 Apprenticeship placement to my class, it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

“I’m training to be a site manager so for me, there’s no better way to get qualified than through an Apprenticeship.

“Four days a week, I’m onsite, carrying out jobs to help ensure that the build remains on track.

“Day in, day out, I’m shadowing experienced professionals, soaking up their expertise – it’s been a fantastic opportunity and I’m getting a real insight into the different stages of the build, and what’s involved.

“After this, I’m hoping to complete a degree Apprenticeship – Willmott Dixon have a management training scheme, so that’s the dream.

“I’d certainly recommend an Apprenticeship; the tutors in College are so helpful and you couldn’t ask for a better company to work for than Willmott Dixon, it’s been the best possible way to start my career.”    

cessful and achieve qualifications.’

Located on the site of the Royal Bolton Hospital, the new college will be ready to train the next generation of medical professionals in 2024.   

Bolton College, which is part of the University of Bolton Group, works with over 600 leading employers across the North West, supplying apprentices for a variety of sectors, including construction, education and financial services.

Apprenticeships are real jobs, with a salary and a contract of employment. The College’s apprentices spend 80% of their time training on the job, then 20% learning in College.

To learn more about Apprenticeships at Bolton College visit www.bit.ly/naw-23