Wiltshire Council is offering support for students who wish to consider apprenticeships following GCSE results day.
They are hosting an information event at County Hall, Trowbridge, on Thursday 23rd August, from 12.30-1pm. It will feature a presentation, with the chance to ask questions, and is open to all parents and children from Year 8 upwards.
The presentation will include information on • pay• the range of careers apprenticeships can lead to• what are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?• who can do an apprenticeship?
For people who can’t make the presentation there will also be a drop-in session in the Atrium at County Hall where advisers can answer questions about apprenticeships from 11.30am-1.30pm on 23rd August.
Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for education said, “More and more Wiltshire employers are offering apprentices a chance to study for A-Level-standard qualifications while also working and earning a wage.
“Apprenticeships are changing beyond recognition, opening career pathways in industries not normally associated with apprenticeships.”
“They can be a terrific option for the right candidates.”
For example, Goughs solicitors – with offices in Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Trowbridge, Melksham and Devizes – see apprenticeships as a big part of their recruitment. From September, they are giving young people the opportunity to study a level 3 paralegal apprenticeship. They hope to set successful apprentices on the way to solicitor apprenticeships – which would include a fully-funded law degree.
In South West Wiltshire, the number of advanced apprenticeship starts – equivalent to A-Levels – has increased by more than 60% in the last three years.
In 2016/17 there were more than 470 level 3 apprenticeship starts in South West Wiltshire, compared to 290 in 2013/14.
For more details about apprenticeships see the ‘Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships’ on the Work Wiltshire website https://workwiltshire.co .uk/parents/
