Big names at Apprenticeship Expo in Exeter
More than 50 of the region's top employers will be setting out their stalls at The Apprenticeship Expo 2015 in Exeter.
Among those who have signed up including big names including Mercedes Benz, FlyBe, First Great Western, the Army and BT.
They have all committed to showcasing their commitment to employing young people in the region and the benefits of Apprenticeships.
The event takes place at the Exeter College Technology Centre at Monkerton on Thursday 12 March.
It is supported by the National Apprenticeship Service, the NHS, Alcoa Howmet and Exeter College, is the first of its kind in the region.
With 100s of vacancies available it is envisaged that those youngsters who have thought about Apprenticeships as an opportunity to earn while they learn will be able to take their next steps onto a successful and rewarding career.
Richard Daulton of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “The Apprenticeship Expo is a fantastic opportunity for young people and parents to engage with some of our most successful and supportive employers from the region. As more and more businesses identify the unique benefits that Apprenticeships bring to their organisation it’s essential they recruit the right candidates to fill these roles”.
He added, “Interacting with the next generation of Apprentices in this unique way will not only enhance their prospects of securing employment but will also provide first class advice and guidance on Apprenticeships and the great opportunities they bring.
Employers have risen to the challenge laid down by the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, a regional group of employers who champion Apprenticeships within their business networks, to exhibit at the event.
Over 50 employers have committed to attending the expo and they see the event as an exciting and innovative way of engaging with their next generation of employees. Many see their current Apprentices as key to spreading the benefits of their programmes.
One such organisation is South West Water, whose Organisational Development Manager Nigel Fenn says: “The Apprenticeship Expo will provide a chance for future apprentices to meet our current apprentices and find out what it’s really like to work for us, the benefits of Apprenticeships and the prospects that lay ahead. We know that we have no better ambassadors for our programmes than these young people.”
More and more employers are developing programmes in conjunction with colleges to support their business needs. Nigel Fenn added, “South West Water has an impressive track record in developing and employing apprentices. Apprenticeships provide expertise relevant and specific to our business.
"Our programme has definitely addressed the skills shortage we have faced in recent years. We value our apprentices and the contribution they make. And we certainly encourage the innovation and fresh approach they bring to the team dynamics. With so many of our graduating apprentices undertaking further study, we see the programme as a ‘win win’ outcome for both the apprentice starting their career and for South West Water as an employer of such talented employees.”
South West Water is one of the many exhibiting businesses who are positive about offering Apprenticeships in a range of operational and business support roles and who are committed to ensuring the widest range of career opportunities for young people in the region.
The Apprenticeship Expo 2015 will give young people and their parents an opportunity to not only find out about job roles in the region, but the progression prospects that Apprenticeships bring.
As Nigel added: “A number of our senior managers served their Apprenticeship with South West Water. It goes to show that combining work with vocational study can lead to real success.”
The Apprenticeship Expo takes place between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday 12 March at Exeter College Technology Centre, College Way, Monkerton, Exeter EX1 3PZ.
For further details call 01392 400800 or visit www.exe-coll.ac.uk/expo15
