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New online advice pages launched during National Apprenticeship Week

The dedicated pages are being launched during National Apprenticeship Week which takes place from 7 -13 February

Published 7 February 2022
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Wiltshire Council has launched a new online advice tool for people thinking about apprenticeships and employers considering taking an apprentice into their workplace.

The information on the Work Wiltshire website (opens new window) has information on the benefits of an apprenticeship, the industry sectors offering apprenticeships, entry skills and qualifications, plus current vacancies, including higher and degree level vacancies.

Employers are also encouraged to visit the site to find out more about the benefits apprenticeships could bring to their business. Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Existing staff can also become an apprentice and it is a good way to upskill and develop existing staff.

The dedicated pages are being launched during National Apprenticeship Week which takes place from 7 -13 February.

People can become an apprentice at any age and any stage of their life. An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career but also to upskill while in a current job.

Apprentices from three Wiltshire companies have shared their experiences of being an apprentice and the positive difference it has made to them.

Jamie Church, 19, is on a Level 3 IT Apprenticeship at Systemagic (opens new window) in Bradford-On-Avon. The company provides IT support for many small businesses in Wiltshire and Somerset.

He said: I left Sixth Form after completing my A-Levels in Computer Science, IT, Core Maths and Applied Science. I wasn't interested in attending university, I had visited an apprenticeship fair and learnt more about what it meant. I would say to others that the main advantage is you are gaining experience as well as earning. It is OK to go to university to get the qualification, but you won't have the experience.

Georgina Bull, 20, completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Aster (opens new window) in December 2020. She has since progressed into a recruitment role within Aster as a talent and resourcing coordinator.

She said: I wanted to stay to do A-Levels but I didn't get the grades, so I went to college and then worked as a waitress whilst looking for apprenticeships. This was the first business administration role I had applied for and it has opened up doors for me and enabled me to find out about the whole business.

There was a lot of talk about trades as apprenticeships when I was at school but there are so many more in other areas, which I found out from friends. I would 100% do it if you're thinking about it, college is good, but you can earn whilst you learn and it will open doors on an apprenticeship.

Dylan Brooks, 19, is on a Level 3 Recruitment Apprenticeship at Premier Jobs (opens new window) UK. The recruitment company specialises in Financial Services Recruitment and is a keen supporter of apprenticeships and the Kickstart scheme.

Dylan said: I joined the Army when I was 16. I was there for one and half years but I left to become a chef outside the Army. I moved from Royal Wootton Bassett to Calne to work for a Bistro. I still like cooking and catering but because of the Covid lockdown I wasn't able to work. I like learning and didn't want to stay at home any longer. I was actively looking for an apprenticeship as I wanted to learn and work. I knew I would have to start on a trainee route.

I didn't have the most qualifications but in the interview they were more interested in my attitude and desire to learn so they gave me a chance to prove myself.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: At Wiltshire Council we have 136 staff following apprenticeship training, 25 of these are new staff and the rest are existing staff using the apprenticeship to upskill.

Apprenticeships aren't just for young people starting out in their career. People of any age can become an apprentice. The pandemic we are living through has led to many people re-evaluating the work that they do, and an apprenticeship may be an option for anyone needing to find a new job or simply wanting to change what they do.

I would also urge employers in Wiltshire to visit the website as apprenticeships are a great way to support the next generation into employment or upskill their current staff and help grow their business.

You can find out more about apprenticeships on the Work Wiltshire website (opens new window).

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