Apprenticeships on the rise in Warwickshire

Warwickshire’s Apprenticeship Hub is encouraging young people to consider apprenticeships as an option for the future.

In Warwickshire apprenticeship opportunities continue to increase with approximately 7,700 people currently on apprenticeships in the county, up 24% in two years.

Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: “As well as giving young people the chance to earn while they learn, apprenticeships are helping employers to increase productivity, improve the skill base and develop a committed and competent work-force for the future.”

Many top local companies, including Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid and IBM, are recruiting more school-leavers on their apprenticeship programmes and Warwickshire County Council’s award-winning scheme has opened doors for more than 80 young people in the last three years.

Cllr Seccombe says it is important that young people consider all options available to them: “Getting industry experience and professional qualifications could be the right option for young people wanting a head start in their career.

“Apprenticeships are increasingly being regarded as a respected route into the workplace. We value highly the benefits that apprentices bring to the county council and are committed to our apprenticeship programme.”

Tom Richman, aged 20, is a great example of the mutual benefit derived between apprentice and employer. Tom achieved good academic results and decided to join Warwickshire County Council’s strategic procurement team on a two-year apprenticeship in September 2013.

“I had never thought of the county council as a potential employer," said Tom. “But people have been so happy to share their knowledge and help me along. Everyone has been very patient and understanding as I learned but also happy to take my ideas into account."

Alongside his practical experience, Tom has undertaken an NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration as well as the Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration. He was then asked to complete both a Level 3 and 4 Certificate in ‘Achieving Excellence in a Vocational Skill’.

A full case-study on Tom's apprenticeship can be found here in this issue of Warwickshire Means Business 

There are a range of services at the county council offering apprenticeships with current vacancies ranging from public health to business support.

Find out more about how apprenticeships could help your business by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice or calling the council’s Apprenticeship Hub on 01926 418040.

Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “Apprenticeships can offer young people an excellent alternative to full-time education whilst training on the job. What’s more, these roles offer a salary which is helping people to avoid significant debt."