Learn and Earn

Leaving school and deciding on your future direction is a huge step, knowing what is best to do with regards to further education can be a minefield. How do you know what to study, how do you know what potential future employees regard as useful and worthwhile and what is of most value to them.

This list of some employers in Penrith tells you what skills and qualifications these businesses think are most important for their employees to have or to work towards whilst in employment.

JT Atkinson (Althams) Builders Merchants
Altham Estate
Ullswater Road
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7EH
Tel 01768 865561

Althams Builders Merchant; incorporating the Home and Garden Centre, have been trading in Penrith for 160 years and are the main suppliers to the building trade. Recently our showrooms have undergone major refurbishment making them state of the art premises in which to purchase bathrooms, fireplaces and lighting fitments.
Our trained staff are always on hand to help the customer with their requisites, be it tools, kitchen appliances or plants for the garden.

Number of employees 75

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Care, Product Training, Health and Safety, Business Administration.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Work placements (including STEP)
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Warehousing and Despatching
NVQ 3 Administration, Customer Care

Antony Wright and Associates
9-10 St Andrews Churchyard
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7YE
Tel 01768 867616-12

Architecture and building surveying, Our competent and well trained staff are among the best in the country, and we aim to give an excellent Service to our Clients.

Number of employees 2

Advanced skills most valued:
Architecture, Surveying, Customer Care.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Paid time off work to attend college.

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Building and Design
NVQ 2 Building and Design
NVQ 3 Building and Design
Other Building and Design, ONC, HND, BSc

Armstrong Watson Accountants
Birbeck House
Duke Street
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7NA
Tel 01768 863626

Armstrong Watson, accountants, strategic business and financial advisers, has over 350 employees based in 14 locations.
Over 12,000 ambitious clients trust us to undertake high quality work in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, charities, education, haulage, leisure & hospitality, professional services, property, retail, media, engineering & construction.
As one of the largest independent accountancy practices in our region, we were ranked at number 27 in a national survey undertaken by Accountancy Age in 2005.

Number of employees 21 in Eden

Advanced skills most valued:
Accountancy, Financial Advisor/Investments, Customer Care.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
ACA, ACCA, AAT, TT, CTA,

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
ACA, ACCA, AAT, TT, CTA,
Personal and Trust Taxation through the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
Payroll training through the Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management
For employees involved in the provision of financial services advice Financial Planning Certificate qualifications are required and supported
In-house computer training/update courses are also provided

Arragons Cycle Centre
2 Brunswick Road
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7LU
Tel 01768 890344

A cycle retail store with Shimano accredited service centre, hire facilities and accessories, all related to cycles. We stock a wide range of cycles for all ages and our competent staff make sure that customers purchase the correct cycle to suit their needs.

Number of employees 4

Advanced skills most valued:
Cycle Mechanics, Customer Service

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject
Work placement (including STEP)

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 3 Advanced Cycle Mechanics

Beacon Homecare Services Ltd
8 Beacon Square
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8AJ
Tel 01768 840086

We care for the elderly and the infirm in their own homes

Number of employees 32

Advanced skills most valued:
Health and Social Care, Moving and Handling

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Unpaid time off work (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Work placements( including STEP)

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 2 Care
NVQ 3 Care
Other Moving and handling certificate.

Centre Parcs, Oasis Whinfell Forest
Temple Sowerby
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2DW
Tel 01768 893000

Providing short break holidays set in a forest environment with a range of superb facilities, restaurants, shops and leisure activities. The range of accommodation, all in woodland settings, include 2, 3 and 4 bedroom lodges. The ultimate in luxury, 4 bedroom exclusives have their own steam rooms, saunas and outdoor hot tubs.
The village is split into 8 main divisions, Food and Beverage, Leisure, Retail, Housekeeping, Technical Services, Finance, Training and Personnel.

Number of employees 1,400

Advanced skills most valued:
Accountancy, CIPD- Personnel, General Management

Higher education opportunities which can be available to employees:
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours ) to attend college/university
Work Placements ( including STEP)
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Housekeeping, Food Preparation and Cooking, Customer Services.
NVQ 2 Housekeeping, Food Preparation and Cooking, Customer Services, Cycle Maintenance and Repair, Food and Drink Service, Business Administration, Retail, Activity Leadership.
NVQ 3 Customer Service, Childcare
Other Over 50 recognised awards including CIPD, Accountancy and Payroll Qualifications,
National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications, Gas and Electrical training, various Leisure qualifications.

Crake Trees Manor
Maulds Meaburn
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 3JG
Tel 01931 715205

This is a Bed and Breakfast establishment and we have gained the English Tourist Board 5 Diamonds Silver Award. We always strive to meet our customer’s needs with good service and kind hospitality.

Number of employees 2

Advanced skills most valued:
Tourism, Catering, Data Input and Accounting.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employee’s:
Work placements (including STEP)

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
Other STEP student placement

Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
14 King Street
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7AH
Tel 01768 862313

The Cumberland and Westmorland Herald is the Eden Valley’s local newspaper. It has three departments : Editorial – responsible for news gathering and editorial content of the paper; Production – advert composition, advertising and booking of adverts; and other functions include accounting and small printing jobs.

Number of employees 33

Advanced skills most valued:
Journalism, Customer Care, Accountancy

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees or bursaries)
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject.
Advanced Apprenticeships.

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 2 Customer Service and Administration. NCTJ Proficiency

Cumbria Constabulary
HQ Carlton Hall
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2AU
Tel 01768 217092

Cumbria Constabulary Headquarters based at Carlton Hall, deal with all aspects law and order.

Number of employees 500+

Advanced skills most valued:
Business Administration, Personnel, IT.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees or bursaries )
Paid time off work to attend college/university

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 2 Business Administration
Other Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Doug Hall Plasterer and Building Contractor
Rose Cottage
Crackenthorpe
Appleby
Cumbria
CA16 6AF
Tel 07802 238694

We specialise in General building work, roofing, plastering, dashing, renovations, extensions and stonework

Number of employees 3

Advanced skills most valued:
Plastering, Roofing, Stonemasonry.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:

NVQ 2 Stonework
NVQ 3 Bricklaying

Eden Housing Association Ltd
Blain House
Bridge Lane
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8QU
Tel 01768 861400

Eden is an established housing association providing over 1,450 homes for affordable rental in the Cumbria districts of Eden, Rural Carlisle and Allerdale.
We provide a range of accommodation and services to meet the needs of young single persons, couples, families, older persons and the homeless, including specialist provision with support.

Number of employees 65

Advanced skills most valued:
Housing Management, Accountancy, Business Administration

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees or bursaries
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 2 AAT Foundation/Business Administration
NVQ 3 AAT Intermediate/Business Administration/Certificate in Personnel Practice
Other AAT Technician HNC Housing Studies

Environment Agency
Ghyll Mount
Gillan Way
Penrith 40 Business Park
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 9YZ
Tel 08708506506

Our vision for the environment is a better place for people and wildlife for present and future generations.
The Environment Agency is working towards:
• a better quality of life
• an enhanced environment for wildlife
• cleaner air for everyone
• improved and protected inland and coastal waters
• restored, protected land with healthier soils
• a ‘greener’ business world
• wiser sustainable use of natural resources
• limiting, adapting to climate change reducing flood risk

Number of employees 80+

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Service, Administration

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees)
Paid time off work to attend college/university
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible hours) to attend college/university
Work placements
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
Foundation Degree in conjunction with University of West of England
Numerous examples can be found on www.environment-agency.gov.uk/foundation degree

Housing 21 Lonsdale Court
Lonsdale Court
Pategill
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8LD
Tel 01768 865257

Extra care housing for people over 55 years of age, including the physically frail, dementia and sensory impaired people plus provider of day care for the under 65’s with various health problems.

Number of employees 17

Advanced skills most valued:
Care delivery, Administration, Personnel

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Work placements (including STEP)
Flexible bank work

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Topps Induction-Care
NVQ 2 Health and Social Care
NVQ 3 (next year for senior Carers)
NVQ 4 Care (Registered Managers Award)
Intermediate Food Hygiene (distance learning)
Moving and Handling, Health and Safety

Jenny Wren’s Day Care
Battlebarrow
Appleby
Cumbria
CA16 6XT
Tel 017683 53123

Day care nursery for children aged 3 months to 4 years, where children can play, develop, grow and rest as happy and confidently as they would at home.

Number of employees 6

Advanced skills most valued:
NVQ L3 or the equivalent Nursery Nurse

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Unpaid time off work (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Work placement (including STEP)

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 3 Work based experience
Other On going key skills training eg: First Aid, Child Protection, Health and Safety

Kiddlywinks Pre School Centre and Day Nursery
Cromwell Road
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7JN
Tel 01768 864000

The nursery cares for and educates children from 3 months to 8 years old. Children learn through carefully planned, evaluated and reviewed activities, and are positively supported by our dedicated staff, thus enabling each and every child to reach their full potential.

Number of employees 14

Advanced skills most valued:
Childcare, Education, Record-keeping

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Work placements (including STEP)
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 3 Childcare and Education
Other Childcare and Education, Foundation Degree Cache, CCE, DCE placements

MOTO Services
Southwaite
J41/42 Broadfield Road
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 0NT
Tel 01697473476

We aim to give our customers a high level of service and hospitality, offering a respite from their journey, Our well stocked shops cater for everyone and our restaurants prepare delicious meals for people on the move.

Number of employees 200

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Service, Retail Management, Administration

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Retail Management, Customer Services, Administration
NVQ 2 .Retail Management, Customer Services, Administration
NVQ 3 Retail Management, Customer Services, Administration

North Lakes Hotel and Spa
Ullswater Road
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8QT
Tel 01768 868111

Structured training and development at all levels is essential to the efficient, effective and profitable running of Shire Hotels, and to the personal development of all individuals. We provide employees with knowledge, skills and experience to meet required standards through:
• Providing an effective induction programme for each individual ensuring an understanding of Company, hotel, department and individual duties.
• Ensuring all employees have a full understanding of the philosophy and policies on guest care.
• Identifying the current and future training requirements of individuals, linking these to effective training programmes.
• Encouraging and supporting employees to undertake further external studies in areas which benefit both employee and company.

Number of employees 130

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Service, Health and Safety, Business Administration.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship(i.e. paying university fees)
Paid time of work to attend college/university
Unpaid time off work (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Work placements
Advanced Apprenticeships
Graduate Development Programme

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Food and Beverage, Customer Service
NVQ 2 Food and Beverage, Customer Service, Food Preparation and Cookery
In-house training to the standard that is required by the Hotel.

Penrith Co-operative Society Ltd
19 Burrowgate
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7TD
Tel01768 862366

Penrith Co-op has over one hundred years experience of trading in the town, Our well trained staff maintain the store by their ability to serve the customer first, then keep the shelves well stocked. The Co-op’s FREE delivery service is expanding every week, with customers placing orders over the phone or on line, The order is then delivered to their door or place of work, and if preferred, personal accounts are also available. We believe that in looking after our customers they will appreciate all the benefits they receive by shopping at the Co-op.

Number of employees 170+

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Care, People Management, Business Administration, Health and Safety

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Advanced Apprenticeships

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Retail
NVQ 2 Retail
Other Degree in Food Safety

Rowcliffe House Veterinary Partnership
Crown Square
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7AB
Tel 01768 865661

As a veterinary practice dealing with both farm and domestic animals, our main areas of work are animal care, customer service, administration and accountancy. We are an approved veterinary nurse training centre for NVQ levels 2 and 3. Our manager has also completed NVQ level 2, 3 and 4 in Accountancy.
We believe that investing in and supporting the training and development of our staff is vital in order for us to provide the best possible service for our clients.

Number of employees 11

Advanced skills most valued:
Veterinary, Customer Care, Accountancy

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees or bursaries)
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject.
Paid for NVQ study fees

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 2 Veterinary nursing
NVQ 4 Accountancy

Sharrow Bay Hotel
Lake Ullswater
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2LZ
01768 486301

Sharrow Bay is a 3 red star boutique hotel, providing accommodation along side a fine dining 2AA rosette 1 Michelin starred restaurant.

Number of Employees 60

Advanced Skills Most Valued:
Catering, Restaurant Service, Customer Service, Accounts.

Higher Education Opportunities for employees:
Paid time out of work to attend further education courses
STEP Work placements

Examples of training recently offered to employees:
Wine Certificates

Ullswater Community College
Wetheriggs Lane
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8NG
Tel 01768 242160

Secondary school and adult education centre including conference amenities.

Number of employees 150+

Advanced skills most valued:
I.C.T, Teaching, Management

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject.
Work placements (including STEP)

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 General courses in teaching related topics
NVQ 2 General courses in Curricular and Administrative I.C.T
Other MA’s in education – related topics

United Utilities
Parkside Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7DU
Tel 01539 796220

United Utilities owns and operates the electricity, water and wastewater networks in the north-west of England

Number of employees 100+

Advanced skills most valued:
Engineering, Administration and Management

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees)
Paid time off work to attend college/university
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 ONC in Electronic and Electrical Engineering
NVQ 2 HNC in Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Victoria Road Dental Practice
9 Victoria Road
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8UR
Tel 01768 862009

As a long established dental practice, our main areas of work are Dentistry, Customer Care, Administration and Accounts.
We pride ourselves on giving the best care and attention to every patient, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Number of employees 11

Advanced skills most valued:
Oral Healthcare, Customer Care, Health and Safety.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Unpaid time off work(i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university
Work placements (including STEP)
Paid time off to attend courses.

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 3 Oral Health Care
Other Disability Awareness, Cross Infection Control, Dental Radiography,
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation

Westmorland Ltd
Westmorland Place
Orton
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 3UW
Tel 015397 11334

Westmorland Ltd which also includes Rheged Primarily hospitality and tourism. Employment areas: retail, catering, hotel, accounts, marketing, sales, HR and payroll.

Number of employees 474

Advanced skills most valued:
Customer Care, Retail Management, Accounts, Marketing.

Higher education opportunities which may be available to employees:
Sponsorship (i.e. paying university fees or bursaries)
Paid time off work to attend college/university, in any subject
Unpaid time off (i.e. flexible working hours) to attend college/university

Examples of training offered to employees in the last year:
NVQ 1 Quick Service and Food Preparation
NVQ 2 Customer Care
NVQ 3 D34/D35 Training and Development
Other Diploma in Payroll and Pension Management