A local college is set to have an influx of students as 150 apprentices in Coventry will have to continue their training at miles away from the city under new plans.

Coventry College intends to move its apprenticeship provision to WCG, a group with colleges in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, it was announced today (1 March).

The college was banned from providing new apprenticeships due to an 'Inadequate' rating by Ofsted in January.

A press release today said city apprentices would continue their training in Coventry and Warwickshire as a result of the transfer.

But the closest of WCG's colleges is in on Warwick New Road, almost 10 miles from Coventry and 40 minutes by train and bus.

Its furthest site in Pershore is more than 40 miles away – a two hour journey with a connection in Birmingham, according to Google Maps.

Around 150 apprentices will be affected by the change, which is subject to approval by employers.

The move means their assessment and training will be provided by WCG.

Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, said apprentices will be able to continue their training locally under the plans.

She said: "For apprentices it will mean they are able to continue their training locally with minimal disruption.

"For the employers we look forward to supporting their workforce needs through the existing, and hopefully future apprentices.

"We will be contacting employers to discuss transferring their apprentices to WCG in due course."

Ms Joyce also said the group are "pleased" to be supporting the college and the move will have wider benefits.

She said: "We are pleased to be supporting Coventry College, employers and apprentices in the region by transferring delivery of the college's apprenticeship provision to WCG.

"We have an existing collaboration with Coventry College and aim to continue to work together in the best interests of the Coventry and Warwickshire region.

"Apprenticeships are crucial in developing skilled individuals that can support our region's economy and by working with Coventry College we are able to retain the economic benefits of over 100 apprentices here in Coventry and Warwickshire."

Carol Thomas, principal and CEO of Coventry College said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for apprentices and staff. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices and our apprenticeship staff to become part of an extensive, well established apprenticeship provider where they can benefit from working with a large apprenticeship delivery team and extended resources," she said.

"We have an existing excellent working relationship with WCG and already have a shared adult learning prospectus along with our other local partner colleges in the Coventry and Warwickshire region."