More than 4,500 Wolverhampton residents took part in an apprenticeship of one kind or another in 2013 to 2014, including 2,500 people who became an apprentice for the first time. Latest data suggests even more people started apprenticeships in 2014 to 2015, with an increasing number of residents aged 19 and over becoming apprentices.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9 to 13 March, 2015 and celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. They offer people a first step onto the career ladder and the chance to gain nationally recognised training and qualifications at the same time.
Among the local employers offering apprenticeship programmes is Wolverhampton City Council. It recruits around 30 apprentices each year, with the latest cohort due to join the authority shortly, and other Wolverhampton employers are being urged to consider offering apprenticeships to local people.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "Apprenticeships are great news, both for the apprentice and their employer, and I know that the council has benefitted greatly from the enthusiasm and willingness to learn shown by our apprentices.
"In return, they have received valuable experience, a regular wage and qualifications, and a lot have gone on to secure permanent employment with us.
"Many other employers in Wolverhampton have apprenticeship programmes of their own, and I'd encourage any that don't to consider offering apprenticeship opportunities to local people."
During National Apprenticeship Week, local students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 can find out about some of the apprenticeship opportunities open to them when The Real Apprentice Roadshow rolls into Wolverhampton on Thursday (12 March, 2015).
It takes place at Molineux Stadium from 2pm to 7.30pm and is organised by apprenticeship experts BCTG and promises to give students who are preparing to leave school a wealth of advice about the apprenticeship options available to them.
Meanwhile, visitors to the City of Wolverhampton College's Skills Show, which takes place at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Wednesday 18 March, 2015, can also find out about apprenticeships.
Local employers including the council, will be showcasing apprenticeships and job opportunities in the city, while visitors can also enquire about college courses which will give them the qualifications they need for their future career.
To find out more about apprenticeships, please visit Type=links;Linkid=2551;Title=Apprenticeships;Target=_blank;. For details of The Real Apprentice, please log on to Type=links;Linkid=5871;Title=The Real Apprentice;Target=_blank;, and to find out more about the City of Wolverhampton College's Skills Show, please visit Type=links;Linkid=3989;Title=City of Wolverhampton College;Target=_blank;.
- released: Monday 9 March, 2015