Young people are being encouraged to consider an apprenticeship as a way into a career at a major event in Huddersfield.
Kirklees Council in partnership with C&K Careers are holding the information event for young people aged 16 to 19 and their parents to demonstrate the range and level of opportunities available through apprenticeships.
It will be at the John Smith’s Stadium from 5.30pm to 8pm on Thursday, March 27.
Those attending will be able to talk to local employers who take on apprentices, meet apprentices and hear presentations from the National Apprenticeship Service and C&K Careers.
There will also be a workshop about how to write a good apprenticeship application.
Apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain on the job skills. They also get off the job training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications, usually from a local college or learning provider.
Aaron Brown, employee and former apprentice at engineering company VTL group said: “I left school and went to sixth form college but before long I realised that it wasn’t for me.’
“I wanted to earn money and build a career instead of staying at college, going to university and in five years still not knowing what I wanted to do and have to look for a job with no experience behind me.”
“An apprenticeship is a win-win situation. The business gets a young person who wants to learn and the apprentice gets the support of more experienced colleagues and learns the skills needed in that company.”
Clr Peter McBride, joint Cabinet member for Place, said: “The council is keen to ensure that young people are aware of all the options available to them when they leave school at 16 so that they can make the best choices for their future.”
There are over 200 apprenticeships covering everything from trade crafts like plumbing and joinery to office-based careers like business administration, accountancy, and marketing. There are also opportunities in engineering, sports and leisure, hospitality and social care to name just a few.
Kirklees Council is aiming to increase the number of opportunities available for both young people and businesses through apprenticeships. A Business Brokers scheme has been set up to provide companies with the advice needed to identify where roles can be created and what financial support is available.
Businesses considering taking on an apprentice or wanting to promote an apprenticeship at the March 27 event can contact the Business Brokers team on 01484 437075 or e-mail apphub@kirklees.gov.uk
With over 700 young people attending the event last year, and similar numbers expected again in 2014 the event provides an ideal opportunity for local companies to promote their vacancies.
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