AHEAD of National Apprenticeship Week, one college is raising awareness of apprenticeship schemes that are no longer just for school leavers whilst praising its community for their tenacity during the difficult past year.

Weymouth College – who have multiple members of staff undertaking apprenticeships – will be celebrating this year’s National Apprenticeship Week by providing resources to local schools, such as parent packs with employment tips and CV skills.

They are also fighting ready to remind people that apprenticeships can be undertaken by anybody of any age and will be commemorating their students, staff and employer’s successes during the pandemic.

Natalie Merry, Assistant Principal of Apprenticeships, Adult Skills and Employer Services at Weymouth College said: “From an apprentice point of view one thing that has stood out for us the last year is that it’s been particularly challenging.

“They’ve had to really adapt to different ways of working, different ways of learning and adapt wider skills than a normal year would ask.

“That’s something that I think is important to share and celebrate. Outside all of the normal learning and employment jobs or job opportunities, they’ve really had to dig deep and get through some barriers and develop some wider skills than we probably would have seen in prior years.

“I confidently say, employers and apprentices have really thought outside the box and gone the extra mile the past year.

“Not only have they had to adapt to everything related to their work, course, apprenticeship or learning, they’ve all probably at some point had to deal with personal challenges across the last year as well. I want to pass on my appreciation, thanks and celebrate everyone who is doing the best they can.”

Sarah Barnett Head of Business Development at Weymouth College said: “The apprentice’s stories are the best bit. Maybe they didn’t get any A levels or maybe it was a mature student that decided to change their career. Anybody can be an apprentice, there is no age limit. It’s a fantastic way to start a career, by getting a qualification, working at the same time, and getting paid!”

Alongside the celebrations of the college’s past year, helping people understand that apprenticeships have come along way since they began is something that is important to Weymouth College.

Ms Merry said: “It’s sometimes a misconception that apprenticeships are still only for 16-year-old school leavers and that’s not the case.

“Over 50% of our provision supports adults that are looking at progression or development opportunities within their careers already.

“We encourage organisations to consider apprenticeships as a viable method of staff recruitment but also a viable method of staff development.

“Apprenticeships go from level 2 to level 7, so you can do an apprenticeship at master’s degree level.

“Those previous historic perceptions of the apprenticeship programme have evolved over the last 10 years.”

To find out more information you can contact Weymouth College on 01305 208709 or employerservices@weymouth.ac.uk

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