Council gets behind National Apprenticeship Week 2023
During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, our Employment and Skills Manager is visiting schools and colleges around the Borough to speak to students about apprenticeship opportunities within the authority.
Throughout the week, Employment and Skills Manager, Lea Hampton, is delivering presentations to students including tips on how to communicate effectively in interviews and business pitch scenarios, a Skills Circuit workshop alongside the team that work on the Council-led One Horton Heath development and talking to students at Southampton Solent University about the jobs involved in the project.
Cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor Derek Pretty said: “We’re keen to support young people entering the workforce and know how important it is for the local economy. This week is a great way to highlight the opportunities available with the Council, especially our flagship development at One Horton Heath.”
Lea has recently worked with local schools and colleges to teach them about the value of T-levels. The One Horton Heath team have two T level students currently studying Surveying, Planning and Design. This technical qualification allows students to study whilst also gaining work experience in the industry that they are interested in.
T-level Apprentice, Josh said: “The opportunity to learn with the One Horton Heath team has been invaluable. It’s given me the chance to meet local businesses linked to the project and has helped me on my career journey.”
Josh will be continuing his placement with locally based structural and civil engineers, Ridge, as they proceed with their work on the development.
As part of her contribution to National Apprenticeship Week, Lea has visited local secondary schools to discuss the options available to students once they finish their GCSEs and leave school, especially those that may already have an interest in construction and engineering. Lea took Josh and another T-level apprentice, Fenton, along with her to share their experiences with students.
Katie Bruce, Careers Leader at Wyvern College, said: “It’s great to have real examples of how T-level apprenticeships have worked for these young people. Leaving school can be a confusing time for students but with the range of apprenticeships that are now available to them, they have more choice in what to do straight after school. Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to continue learning whilst getting a feel for employment as well.”
National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 6 – 12 February and brings together businesses and apprentices to share the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and the wider economy.