Weymouth College invited various special guests to a lunch event in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.  

To round off the college’s week of events, South Dorset MP Richard Drax, BBC political reporter Tristan Pascoe, Weymouth Mayor Cllr Kate Wheller and Dorchester Mayor Cllr Alistair Chisholm attended a special lunch networking event.

The week is held annually to celebrate the achievements of apprentices in their personal and professional growth.

Guests were given the opportunity to network and talk about apprenticeship opportunities with Weymouth College staff, before enjoying a buffet lunch and the guest speakers.

Dorset Echo: Richard Drax MP chats with local employers and Weymouth College staff at the National

Richard Drax said: “Apprenticeships are unbeatable as a way of earning while learning. Not everyone is suited to academia; this is a brilliant way to develop skills and bridge the gap between education and employment.

“I am delighted to see so many young people taking this route towards a successful career and wish them the best of luck for the future. I am also grateful to the many local businesses and organisations who have supported these apprenticeships.”

Several of the college’s apprentices were also in attendance. Matthew Cousens, who started working as an Apprentice Training Coordinator in construction at Weymouth College in September, discussed his own experience of undertaking an apprenticeship.

 “I found it very nerve-wracking, going back into learning, but the team around me have been really supportive and the content of the course has proved to me very worthwhile.

“I am hopeful that going forward and working with my mentor and the rest of the apprenticeships team here, I can become the best Apprentice Training Coordinator I can be.”

Kelly Bush, Vice-Principal of Curriculum and Quality at Weymouth College, added: “Our events have brought together employers, apprentices, educators, and stakeholders to celebrate the transformative impact of our apprenticeship programme, highlighting the diverse range of opportunities available through apprenticeships across numerous industries.

“By nurturing talent and strengthening partnerships between education and industry, Weymouth College is helping to shape the future workforce and driving economic growth.”

Weymouth College will continue its celebration of apprenticeships at an Apprenticeship & Career Fair on Thursday, March 7 at the College’s Community Sports Centre on Cranford Avenue.

Tickets for the event can be booked on Eventbrite website:  www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apprenticeship-career-fair-tickets-815038832087