Real Apprentice events are a huge success (From Redditch Advertiser)

Real Apprentice events are a huge success

9:40am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

FOLLOWING the resounding success and popularity of previous Real Apprentice events, the Sixways Stadium in Worcester and the Abbey Stadium in Redditch hosted more successful showcases for young people from across the county this month.

The free events, organised jointly by Worcestershire County Council, National Apprenticeship Service and Worcestershire Training Providers Association, were aimed to boost interest in apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities for young people, particularly those presently in Year 11.

In Redditch, 107 young people and their parents or guardians had a choice of 26 exhibitors. They were also able to hear from, and talk with, local employers, colleges, training providers and former apprentices who've become high achievers in their trades.

Worcestershire County Council is working actively with partners and local employers with the aim of creating more apprenticeship opportunities in the county.

Worcestershire Employment and Skills Board – a policy board of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership – has identified apprenticeships as one of the main priorities within the county's Employment and Skills Strategy. 

The board's target is to create 10,000 additional apprenticeship opportunities in Worcestershire by 2016. The last year's figures show a growth of 33 per cent in apprenticeship starts in comparison to the previous year.

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Jane Potter, who attended the Redditch event, said: “It is vital that businesses in the county are able to access the right skills and that opportunities are available for everyone to realise their potential. 

“Not only do young people benefit from a thriving apprenticeship programme, but also the county's economic future depends on highly skilled new employees.”