Apprentices celebrate ‘Skills for Life’ for National Apprenticeship Week

Apprentices from Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) have been supporting National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February), a national celebration of apprenticeships. 

The week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy. 

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 was "Skills for Life"; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills. The week-long celebration of apprenticeships will showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, the College’s Apprenticeship Team has been finding out why our apprentices have chosen this route and what they enjoy most about their courses.  

Business Administration and Customer Services apprentices are currently working on an ICT and business module. Renee Ramsay commented: "I'm doing this apprenticeship because I want to secure a good job and this helps me learn everything I need to know from excel formula to communication. I love this course!"  

Fellow apprentice Niamh O'Donnell said: "I believe a qualification in business administration opens up opportunities to work my way up in the future." Tom Page added: "I am able to explore new skills and understand how to apply these in a new environment." 

Meanwhile, Accounts apprentices took part in a session with the College’s Apprenticeship Support Officer, talking about progression routes, and Fabrication and Welding apprentices were learning about pattern development and rolling techniques. 

Jessica Wilson, Rosie Kendrick, Chloe Pinfield, and Cecilia Martin are all working towards a Hairdressing Apprenticeship. Speaking about the apprenticeship, Jessica said: “I enjoy earning and learning!” Fellow apprentice Rosie added: “It is great to be able to work with stylists with years of experience to help us develop.” 

The apprentices were all in agreement that their apprenticeships were giving them ‘Skills for Life’. Chloe commented: “I am learning customer service skills and building a client base to help me in the future.” Cecilia added: “If I demonstrate the right skills and behaviour, I will be offered a permanent job at the end of the apprenticeship.” 

Caroline Jennings, Director of Apprenticeships at Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “I personally started my working life as an apprentice (or Youth Trainee as it was then) and I am incredibly passionate about Apprenticeships and everything this can bring. So much so, I have signed up to a degree apprenticeship myself this year! Here at BSDC, we have a range of delivery models for the various apprenticeship standards we offer. We are passionate about teaching new skills and knowledge, and then ensuring this is applied and developed within the workplace.”