Hundreds of potential apprentices crammed into an event at Hove Town Hall yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 4 July).
More than 600 teenagers and parents attended the event which was organised by Apprenticeships in Sussex and Brighton and Hove City Council.
Sixteen apprenticeship providers and half a dozen employers had stalls at the drop-in event which was called “Apprenticeships – busting the myths”.
The organisers said: “The event is dedicated to helping students, parents and carers bust some commonly held myths about apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships in 2017 are very different from those of the past. Today employers are in the driving seat and there are more than 1,500 types of job in 170 industries covered by apprenticeships.
“Degree and higher level apprenticeships are a new way of developing skills and careers that can save around £30,000 compared to students on standard degree courses, as well as earning while learning.”
Earlier in the day Labour councillor Tom Bewick, who runs an apprenticeships business, spoke to Latest TV about the changing opportunities for young people. To find out more, click here.
At Hove Town Hall in addition to stalls there were panel sessions for those thinking about starting an apprenticeship at 16 and those considering their options at 18-plus.
Young people and parents were offered the chance to speak with apprentices, employers and providers to find out what’s on offer, what it’s like to be an apprentice and how an apprenticeship can boost a career.
On hand to answer questions were experts, apprentices, training providers and employers in health, digital, energy, finance, education, engineering and many other career paths.
There were also representatives of Sussex, Brighton and Chichester universities, offering degree and higher level apprenticeships.
The chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee, Councillor Dan Chapman, said: “It’s a very exciting time for apprenticeships at the moment.
“The launch of degree apprenticeships has provided a number of progression routes which didn’t exist two years ago, and the range of higher and degree apprenticeship standards on offer will continue to increase over the next few years.”
Among those offering help to young people, parents and employers with apprenticeships is the Brighton Met – the new name for City College since its merger with Northbrook College. For more information and advice, click here.
The council’s executive director of children’s services Pinaki Ghoshal was delighted with the turnout.
He said: “Apprenticeships are such a fantastic opportunity for young people and a real alternative to traditional learning routes, with a job at the end of it.”
Come down to Hove Town Hall now for the ‘Busting the Myths’ #Apprenticeship event pic.twitter.com/ZHT0karwa9
— Apprentices (@BHapprentices) July 4, 2017
