While they might be rivals on the pitch, Potteries clubs Port Vale and Stoke City share a common interest when it comes to the education of their young stars.
Both clubs send the Apprentices on the ASE programme to Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College where the lads complete the work on their Technical Certificate.
Phil McPherson, the ASE programme Manager for the College said:
“The key is the support the clubs offer us both with delivery and liaison to ensure that their Apprentices come out of the ASE programme having received a good academic education.”
“The banter and rivalry between the lads from either club is good with all the Apprentices interacting well which is valuable in lessons. The lads all seem to be happy to attend College here and I think it benefits having them in all day on a Thursday to give them a full College experience.”
The College offers some great facilities on campus for all students and feedback from the Adult Learning Inspectorate praised the College for the quality of provision and variety of courses offered.
Now in their 5th year of receiving both clubs the provision has gone from strength to strength with last year’s cohort of Apprentices achieving 100% success rate on the Technical Certificate which included the award of three double distinctions.
John Barton, LFE Regional Officer for the Midlands area added:
“The provision here provides a good example of two clubs utilising one education provider in delivery of an education programme that has had excellent results. The composition of the group with the lads from Vale and Stoke provides some healthy banter that actually adds to a strong learning environment.”
