An apprenticeship can take you anywhere

Posted on 15 March 2016 · Posted in News

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, part of the Government’s commitment to reaching 3 million apprenticeships in England by 2020. Enterprise Zones are helping to make this a reality.
Passing the torch: training the next generation

BAE Systems, the advanced aerospace and security company, have 35 advanced engineering apprentices training at Humber’s Enterprise Zones. Their national training academy based on the EZ produced 60 apprentices last year and over 150 jobs over three years.

BAE’s other apprentice academy is at Lancashire EZ and 112 new apprentices will be starting there in September. On any one day there will be between 100-120 apprentices in the training academy undergoing schemes including advanced engineering and advanced business management.

Building the Northern Powerhouse

Wirral Met College, located on the Mersey Waters EZ, is another major source of construction apprentices found in the Northern Powerhouse. Stacey Rogers, an apprentice in Wirral, says “coming from a family where my siblings and parents have all started their career pathways completing an apprenticeship, I would recommend them to anyone. It’s a great opportunity to take to progress in your future career route.” There are 128 apprenticeships at Wirral Met who, like Stacie, are gaining qualifications whilst working full time and earning a salary.

Siemens, a major player in offshore wind turbine construction, have announced 14 new advanced apprenticeships at Hull’s EZ. Meanwhile at Lancashire EZ, Victrex – a world-leader in aerospace polymers – have 10 apprentices across a range of disciplines including engineering operations.

Step into Science

At Discovery Park EZ, one of the leading science and technology centres in Europe, there are 23 apprenticeship placements and numerous learning opportunities. The centre suits different learning needs by hosting science events to inspire school children alongside PhD research in laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities.

Charlotte Carr, an apprentice with the global life sciences company Pfizer, says “my apprenticeship was the perfect route into the career I wanted and East Kent College, and my employers, have been exceptionally supportive.” Last year Charlotte won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year in Research and Development at the prestigious national Science Industry Skills Award.