A CAMPAIGN to highlight the benefits to local youngsters of doing an apprenticeships is being backed by the county council.
This year, the week-long drive to ‘Create your Future’ will promote apprenticeships in line with the national campaign ‘Fire It Up’ which runs this week.
The aim is to challenge many of the outdated views people have about apprenticeships.
The county council’s own successful apprenticeship programme offers training at intermediary, advanced and higher levels in customer service, business administration, finance and accounting, social care, civil engineering (in the highways department), and IT and digital development.
Daniel Watson, who is doing an apprenticeship in Business Operations at County Hall said: “I chose to do an apprenticeship because it was this or university where I could rack up a lot of debt.
“Here I get involved with an area of work I wanted to get to grips with, get a lot of experience and get paid doing so.
“The support structure here is really good. You get to meet other apprentices who can help you and management are really friendly.”
In 2018 around 5,000 people started their apprenticeships in Worcestershire and the county has consistently had one of the fastest growing economies in terms of productivity.
This is supported by a skilled workforce, underlining the importance and need for quality apprenticeships.
County Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Skills, said: “Providing our young people with the best start to get on in life and have a rewarding career is key to our growing economy.
“Apprenticeships can give young people the opportunity to learn a valuable skill while earning at the same time.
“I am very happy to raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage more employers to get on board and help young people blaze a trail of their own.”
For advice and information on careers for young people including apprenticeships visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk
The county is also supporting the Worcestershire Skills Show, the region’s largest careers event which is on Wednesday, March 13 at Chateau Impney.
