York businesses are being reminded of the critical role apprenticeships can play in helping them to ‘build the future’ of their organisation, during National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February).
The annual event aims to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to employers and individuals of all ages. This year’s theme is ‘build the future’ and focuses on training, retaining skills and achieving.
Apprenticeships are a great way of helping employers to grow their business and introduce new skill sets into their organisation.
Apprenticeships can be a great alternative to post-16 education and university, or for anyone who’s looking for a career change or to enhance professional development within their current role, giving people the opportunity to get on-the-job training while earning a wage at the same time.
City of York Council is committed to supporting apprentices and apprenticeships in York, with 70 apprentices currently in a diverse range of roles across the authority, including electricians, plumbers, gas engineers, solicitors, civil engineers, business administrators, early year’s educators, learning and skills teachers, social workers, senior leaders and project managers.
The council also supports 34 apprentices in other organisations across the city, through the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme. This national initiative enables the council to fund elements of training for people taking apprenticeships in organisations across York.
A total of 1000 York residents started an apprenticeship from August 2020-July 2021.
Cllr Andrew Waller, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “Apprenticeships are a critical strand of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy and are a fantastic way for people of all ages to gain new skills or change the direction of their career altogether.
“National Apprenticeship Week gives us the chance to celebrate our apprentices, encourage prospective apprentices to find out more and remind local businesses about the opportunities that apprenticeships can bring to their organisation.
“There’s lots of help and advice available locally for anyone considering an apprenticeship and it could be the best way to build your future.”
People can find out more about the wealth of apprenticeships on offer at the Apprenticeship Exhibition Event at York Racecourse from 11am-7pm on Thursday 10 February. Organised by York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Apprenticeship Hub the free event will see up to 80 businesses and training providers showcasing apprenticeship vacancies across the region.
For more general information on apprenticeships visit www.york.gov.uk/apprenticeships, email york.apprenticeships@york.gov.uk or call 01904 555768.
