RICHARD Huish College is a popular choice for students in Somerset, but not just for A Levels. 

The college also offers a wide range of apprenticeships for people of all ages and abilities.

Heidi Ashton, apprenticeship manager, said: “It is about employer and learner engagement. Our apprenticeships offer a different avenue into different industries. 

“A lot of people think we are just a sixth-form college, but we offer so much more than that. We have been offering apprenticeships for more than 10 years, but people don’t necessarily think of Richard Huish straight away. We’d like to change that.” 


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The college was originally founded in the 18th century, and it was named after benefactor Richard Huish, a Taunton wool merchant. 

The official opening of the sixth form college we know today took place in 1991 and offers a wide range of apprenticeships. The apprenticeships on offer are: accountancy, business administration, management, IT, customer service, health care, health and social care, and medical administration. It also offers degrees, professional accountancy courses and A Levels. 

Somerset County Gazette:

Mrs Ashton added: “The different levels gives our learners a footing for promotion, and we would never put someone on a level that they are above. We have students of all ages.” 

Grace Humphries, a medical administration apprentice, said: “I work within a group of receptionists at Tawstock Medical Centre. My role is to manage the front desk and back reception, deal with enquires regarding patients and visitors, follow protocols, give results, pass on messages, copy medical records, input details on the computer, process requests for prescriptions and maintain stock.

“I have hugely benefitted from my apprenticeship in Medical Administration by gaining a range of different knowledge that I wasn’t learning within my school subjects, for example types of medications and in general, how the NHS works.

"I have also developed work based skills such as customer service and administration skills which involve IT, organisation and accuracy being particularly important when dealing with patients. 

“Personally I feel I have really progressed by becoming more confident from working in a very social environment and talking to different types of people on a daily basis.”


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Matt Baker, a business administration apprentice, said: “I am an apprentice at Mailboxes Etc, Taunton. My key duties include printing, copying, designing and providing a good efficient customer service.

"I have been involved in projects for large businesses, where I discuss and assist the customer, to understand what they require from us. 

“My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to achieve the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business Administration and work towards my advanced qualification over the next 12 months while gaining industry experience.

“I’ve benefited from interacting with a range of customers asking questions, which has made me feel more confident and part of the team.

"I believe that I have developed as a person, I now have strong interpersonal skills, and due to my daily experience with the public, I have learnt new people skills and assisted in building relationships with businesses and customers.”