Apprentices ‘look beyond’ for National Apprenticeship Week

Apprentices at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) are currently supporting National Apprenticeship Week (3rd–7th 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.

During the week, Burton and South Derbyshire College is holding an apprenticeship and employer engagement themed Business Breakfast at its Town Centre Campus on Thursday 6th February, as well as an Open Day showcasing the construction and engineering courses and apprenticeships available at the College’s Stephen Burke Construction Academy on Saturday 8th February. 

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

This year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2020, or #NAW2020, is ‘Look Beyond’, highlighting the breadth of industries and roles available to the talent and energy apprentices bring into the workplace. Employers and apprentices from across the country have come together to encourage more young people to choose an apprenticeship, as well as educating new employers and the wider community on the benefits of apprenticeships.

Former BSDC Motor Vehicle apprentice, Luke Holder is now a full time mechanic at M. Prichard Commercial Engineering where he undertook his Level 2 apprenticeship. He commented: “I really like my job; it’s interesting to find problems and work out how to fix them. An apprenticeship gives you experience on the job as well as college work. I’m much happier in a hands-on job. You have a better chance of getting a permanent job at the end of the qualification and it’s a good opportunity to get yourself known in the industry you want to work in.”  

Those interested in becoming an apprentice should visit www.bsdc.ac.uk/apprenticeships for more information and details of current vacancies. Employers interested in finding out more about employing an apprentice within their organisation should contact BSDC’s Business Development Team on 01283 494510.