At 3aaa we are focused on delivering life changing opportunities for young people.  We are currently finding more than 100 young people jobs on a weekly basis – and these are typically new jobs with employers who haven’t employed an Apprentice before.

We believe that Apprenticeships are about job creation and the delivery of outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.  Ofsted agreed with us when they inspected us last year and gave us a Grade 1 Outstanding in all areas of the work that we do.

So we were disappointed to see the report from the Institute of Education and the Nuffield Foundation this week that said that in many cases, government money for Apprenticeship is being used to support the training of adults who are over the age of 25 and people who are already in work where their employers really should pay for their training.

Thankfully through our 33 Academies we are finding small and medium sized employers on a daily basis who want to recruit new talent into their businesses and want to employ some of the amazing young people who are currently in our Applicant pool.  We currently have more than 800 Apprenticeship vacancies that we are recruiting for across the country and more than 1,200 young people who have been interviewed by our Academy staff and are ‘job ready’.

The 300 people who work for 3aaa will continue to get up every morning to deliver the 100+ life changing opportunities that we are generating on a weekly basis – we’ll also keep lobbying government to ensure that an Apprenticeship is really about job creation and the delivery of outstanding teaching learning and assessment and that the finite pot of government funding is not spent on training that employers should be paying for themselves.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Gloucester, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swindon, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford, Worcester and York.

Academies will soon be opening in Blackburn, Bradford, Exeter, Hull, Middlesbrough, Plymouth, Stoke and Wolverhampton.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

On Monday 1st June, we officially opened our new academy in the vibrant city of Peterborough. The academy was opened by recently elected Mayor, John Peach and Mayoress, Janet Martin.

The new 3aaa team at Peterborough were excited to celebrate their initial successes with a greatly anticipated official grand opening. After opening their doors in March of this year, the academy has brought in over a dozen Apprentices and employers from the local area, with many more young people expected to be offered life changing career opportunities.

John Peach, who was appointed Peterborough’s new mayor on Wednesday 20th May, officially marked the opening the new Academy on Monday by cutting the ribbon said, “It is a great honour to officially open this new facility for 3aaa, a very interesting and go-ahead scheme for the city. We have great links within Peterborough and great road links to major cities, making Peterborough a fantastic opportunity. The academy is situated directly within the heart of Peterborough and it is marvelous to hear already what is happening at the facility and we are more than pleased to play our part in helping this important business grow.”

Charlotte Wood, Peterborough’s Academy manager, was elated to gain support from the Mayor. She commented “We were really pleased to hear that the mayor had accepted our formal invitation, it was really important to us to gain support from a local figure who we admire who also supports the “outstanding” work we do. There are some amazing opportunities here which we hope to bring to the people of Peterborough. We were delighted to welcome a range of different people that are interested in finding out more about our Apprenticeships.”

On the day the academy played host to a great attendance of local businesses and interested young people who may be considering a future with 3aaa. Also in attendance was BBC Young Apprentice winner and 3aaa Ambassador, Ashleigh Porter-Exley who also gave an inspirational speech and insight into her own success as a young entrepreneur.

Andy Palmer, Managing Director of 3aaa said “This academy is one of 31 academies throughout England, a number that will rise to 35 by the end of July and 41 by the start of 2016. We are about life changing opportunities and we have 300 people at 3aaa who wake up every day and who are dedicated to giving young people that opportunity. We deliver outstanding world-class teaching, learning and assessing and that is shown through the rewarding of the Grade 1 Outstanding by Ofsted last year. We are hugely appreciative as always of all the employers in the room, young people in the room who are going to come work with us and the stakeholders in the room who give us the support and get us involved in the local community”.

To find out how to employ an Apprentice or if you are interested in becoming an Apprentice contact the Peterborough Academy on 01733 892 489 or email applypeterborough@3aaa.co.uk.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swindon, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke and York. If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

On Thursday 28^th May, 3aaa collaborated with a range of Derbyshire’s local education providers, training providers, businesses and local authorities to celebrate the achievements of Apprentices across the county.

The Derbyshire Apprenticeship Graduation, which was hosted by The Roundhouse in Derby proved to be an excellent day with over 100 Apprentices receiving their graduation certificates in front of their proud families and friends. Several 3aaa Apprentices were also involved in the ceremony as a celebration of all of their hard work and achievements.

We were joined at the event by a range of different providers such as Derby College, Chesterfield College, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, The Derbyshire Network, EMFEC, University of Derby and D2N2 LEP.

Alongside all of the above sponsors, local businesses came together with local figureheads in the community to celebrate not only the Apprentices who were graduating but also the Apprenticeship scheme as a whole and the impact that it has on Derbyshire and the county’s thriving industries.

At the start of the day, 3aaa were present at the event’s ‘Provider Market’ and spoke to local businesses and organisations about what we do and how we offer life changing opportunities to young people as well as helping to transform businesses. During this part of the day, guest speakers included Peter Richardson (Chairman of D2N2 LEP), Michael Nicol (Head of Employer and Delivery Services at the SFA) as well as local SME business owner James Blick (MD at the Finesse Collection). All of the guest speakers spoke fondly about the effect that young Apprentices have in helping to progress and transform a range of different businesses.

Then came the ceremony itself where the Apprentices were invited up to the stage one by one to receive their certificate in front of families and other guests.

Peter Richardson, Chairman of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said “The Apprentices who graduated yesterday are a celebration of what Employers and training providers can accomplish together, when working with engaged, passionate young people”.

Rob Collins, Marketing Executive for 3aaa said “The graduation was an excellent day for everyone involved. It was great to see a range of different providers, businesses and organisations come together to celebrate Apprenticeships and to see how passionate they are about them and the life changing opportunities that they bring. We were also proud to see some of our own Apprentices graduate in which was the very first Apprenticeship Graduation for Derbyshire”.

Congratulations to all of the Apprentices involved! More pictures will follow in the next couple of days.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swindon, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke and York. If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

Last night our very own Bristol Academy won the much sought after Training Provider of the Year award. The award ceremony which took place in Bristol City Centre at the Marriot Hotel celebrated the best and brightest Apprentices and Apprenticeship providers in the South West. It was a celebration of talent, ambition and commitment to ensure Apprenticeships continue to thrive within the region.

Having being shortlisted to win the award back in April, the team at Bristol have delivered outstanding Apprenticeships and life changing opportunities to ambitious young people across Bristol time and time again.

The Bristol academy have gone from strength to strength in recent months, from its grand opening in April, to achieving over 100 starts within their first 9 months, to now winning best training provider at the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards, the successes keep mounting. This award is a testament to how dedicated and diligent the team is.

Bristol Academy Manager Carina Bush said that to win the award was such an honour. “It’s wonderful for Bristol Academy to win such an award, to get such recognition for the work we’re doing is amazing. I could not be more proud of our team here, and we will continue to be the best training provider in the region!”

Congratulations Bristol, what a tremendous night for 3aaa!

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swindon, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke and York. If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

 At 3aaa, we are continuing to use the power of sport to encourage businesses across Derbyshire to take on a young Apprentice and be part of something special in Derby.

For every business in Derbyshire that recruits a 16 to 18-year-old IT or Digital Marketing Apprentice in May or June through 3aaa, the company will pledge £500 to Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s #WereBackingTheBid campaign for Derby to become a host city at the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The ambitious plan for the City will be symbolised by a landmark set of giant cricket stumps to be located at the gateway to the City on the Pentagon Roundabout. The stumps will be funded by a total of 100 local companies who will each pledge £500.

The businesses who take on a 3aaa apprentice will join over 30 local companies, including 3aaa, who are already backing the bid and will be involved in the development, unveiling and publicity surrounding the sculpture, as well as featuring on the a Partners Plaque.

3aaa Managing Director, Andy Palmer said: “At 3aaa, we believe that Apprenticeships and the power of sport can change people’s lives.

“We want everyone in Derbyshire whose business take on an Apprentice with us to have the opportunity to back the bid and be part of something special.”

Derbyshire Chief Executive, Simon Storey added: “We are very grateful for 3aaa’s support. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to make a difference to a young person’s life and see how Apprenticeships can make a positive difference to your business and our community.

“The Women’s World Cup is a prestigious event which will promote the City of Derby as a great place to live, work, enjoy sport and as a great destination for visitors from across the world.”

To make the pledge, contact Maxine Holtam on 01332 388121 or e-mail maxine.holtam@derbyshireccc.com.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swindon, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke and York.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

3aaa are delighted to announce the appointment of a new 3aaa Ambassador – Ashleigh Porter-Exley. Ashleigh is best known for winning BBC Young Apprentice out of the 38,000 applicants that applied, Lord Sugar saw Ashleigh’s ‘sheer and utter graft’ and it secured her a £25,000 business investment. After leaving School at 16, Ashleigh started an Apprenticeship at a local Accountancy firm as she knew University wasn’t the right pathway for her and she wanted to get hands on experience. Ashleigh is a strong supporter of Apprenticeships and the opportunities they can lead to. As well as working full time, Ashleigh dedicates her time to supporting and mentoring people across the UK.

3aaa are a national company offering a personalised, local service in over 30 locations across England as we look to change the lives of young people through our work with local employers and helping these young people to find a pathway into the career of their dreams. As a 3aaa Ambassador, Ashleigh will be supporting our Academies to raise awareness of Apprenticeships to young people and employers, plus offering support and advice to our Apprentices as they embark upon their career journey.

Andy Palmer, Managing Director commented: “We are really pleased that Ashleigh is our new 3aaa Apprenticeship Ambassador. As an Apprenticeship Ambassador her role will be to inspire young people and to let the world know about how Apprenticeships benefit so many of them, giving an insight into her own journey and passing on her priceless experiences. We are all very much looking forward to working closely with Ashleigh as we carry on changing the lives of young people on a day to day basis.”

Ashleigh Porter said “Taking the Apprenticeship route myself I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without it. Not only did I gain invaluable experience but I developed myself a career path, earned my own money and furthered my qualifications along the way. I am extremely excited to represent such a devoted, passionate and driven team. 3aaa are not only a provider they are a support network, recruiter and hopefully a big part of your starting career or business.”

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke, Swindon and York.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

One of Maidstone’s brightest digital marketing apprentices, Daniel Battam – Scott, has featured in a new advertising campaign for his employer, Cohesion Marketing by Design.

Daniel began his journey with 3aaa back in January, where Maidstone’s academy manager Juliet Shand, recognised his immeasurable potential. Within a very short period of time he had been reviewed, interviewed and offered a job with a thriving creative marketing and design agency in Kent.

The advertisement, which features on the company’s YouTube channel, shows Dan and his colleagues participating in a comedic tutorial on how to make the perfect cup of coffee, with limited office resources. Not only is it entertaining and light hearted, but it is also an innovative marketing tool to increase brand awareness and enforce their brand identity as a young and creative marketing company. Instances such as these show just how 3aaa apprenticeships can bring life changing opportunities to ambitious young people across the country.

Daniel’s confidence is evident throughout the entire video, and his flair for digital marketing will make him a force to be reckoned with. 3aaa would like to say good luck in the future Dan, Cohesion marketing have bagged themselves a very talented team member.

See Daniel’s video in full here.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Romford, Sheffield, Southampton, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Stoke, Swindon and York.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that our partner, Derby County Football Club has been named the Johnstone’s Paint Community Club of the Year at The Football League Awards 2015 on Sunday evening.

Simon Carnall, Head of Derby County Community Trust, along with Community Manager Paul Newman received the award at the gala ceremony at The Brewery, London, on Sunday evening in front of over 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

The Football League Awards 2015 mark the 10th year of the awards, which celebrate on and off pitch excellence across The League’s 72 clubs. This year all 72 clubs were nominated for at least one award.

Through Derby County’s community programme it is clear it recognises the ability it has as a club to engage people, raise hopes and aspirations and improve the lives of the people of Derbyshire. The club’s community trust is committed to ensuring that it meets local needs while working strategically in line with regional and national agendas. In 2014 the scheme ran 50 projects and reached more than 30,000 participants, with its flagship Derby City School Sport Partnership project helping to increase participation for young people in the community.

On winning the award, Simon Carnall said: “It’s huge for the football club, from the owners to the chief operators to the board of trustees. Everyone in the Derby County Community Trust are so proud to be here tonight to win this award. Derby is a football city and when the team are doing well, the city is doing well so it really helps us with what we’re doing at the Trust.”

Earlier on in the year, we were revealed as Derby County Community Trust’s Presenting Partner. Sharing similar values, we recognise the profound impact that the power of sport can have on people’s lives and we recognise that by working together we can create further opportunities for young people throughout Derbyshire.

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Romford, Stoke, Swindon and York.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email:applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

We are delighted to announce the start of a corporate sponsorship agreement with Youth Employment UK CIC (YEUK).

Youth Employment UK CIC (YEUK) is a membership organisation representing more than 10,000 young people, employers, youth organisations and educators. YEUK’s core mission is to reduce youth unemployment and make the UK youth friendly. Similarly we are also passionate about giving young people life changing opportunities through employment and work with both local and national employers, placing around 100 young people into work every week.

The corporate sponsorship highlights 3aaa’s continued investment in supporting youth employment; connecting young people with employers and raising the awareness of Apprenticeships across Schools and the community. Our aim is to support YEUK to raise the profile of youth employment. Through our network of employers we pledge to promote the youth friendly charter and support YEUK in tackling the issues around youth unemployment.

 Andy Palmer,  3aaa Managing Director commented “We’re really pleased to be sponsoring Youth Employment UK and supporting the organisation in their really important work to reduce youth unemployment in the UK.  Through our network of more than 32 Academies spread throughout England we are constantly working with around 600 employers and 2,000 young people to promote the benefits of Apprenticeships and Traineeships.  By working with YEUK we hope that we can increase the number of employers who see young people having an important role in the growth of their businesses and get more young people making informed decisions about their futures and the opportunities open to them”.

Laura-Jane Rawlings CEO Youth Employment UK CIC added “We are delighted that 3aaa have committed their support to YEUK.  Youth unemployment is still a major issue in the UK and we have been working hard to bring young people and those organisations who are youth friendly together.  Our policy work, campaigning and support for organisations and young people is having a positive impact on the landscape, but there is still much more to be done.  Having the support of 3aaa who are so invested in young people and the quality of opportunities for young people will be fantastic.”

You’ll now find a 3aaa Academy in Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Derby, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Tamworth, Warwick, Watford and Worcester.

Academies will soon be opening in Bradford, Gloucester, Romford, Stoke, Swindon and York.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, email: employnow@3aaa.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into an exciting career in IT, Digital Marketing, Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Services or Technical Sales, email: applynow@3aaa.co.uk.

Alternatively, find out more about our Apprenticeship programmes: 0844 504 3174 or www.3aaa.co.uk

DERBY apprentice training company 3aaa (Aspire Achieve Advance) have extended their partnership with Derbyshire CCC.

The deal, worth more than £500,000 over five years, includes the extension of the stadium naming rights of the 3aaa County Ground until the end of 2020.

The partnership will also see the newly-redeveloped pavilion renamed as the 3aaa Pavilion and the company’s name on the club’s NatWest t20 Blast shirt through to 2018.

In March 2014, 3aaa become the club’s first ever ground naming rights partner.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Derbyshire and proud to be supporting our local county cricket club,” said 3aaa director Peter Marples.

“The partnership will allow us to continue to raise our profile and strengthen our brand awareness through local and national media and corporate clients taking advantage of the new state-of-the-art facilities on offer at the 3aaa Pavilion.

“The club’s 1870 Business Club has provided us with a forum for connecting potential apprentice employers and, as a Derbyshire-based business, we are keen to continue to contribute to businesses at the heart of the local community.”

Derbyshire chief executive Simon Storey added: “We want to build on the exciting progress of the last 12 months with 3aaa which has brought great benefits for both parties.

“We are proud to be so closely associated with an organisation in the same year OFSTED recognised them as the only independent training provider to achieve Grade One Outstanding.

“We’ve had a great experience with our own 3aaa apprentices who have been able to step straight into their respective roles.

“We are looking forward to continuing our partnership which will provide the club with long-term security as we seek to build a successful team that the county of Derbyshire can be proud of.”