How apprentices are blazing a trail for the careers of tomorrow
Blazing a trail is what being an apprentice is all about and is our theme for this year. Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton
The 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week runs until Friday and is a government-led initiative to showcase the fantastic opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy. This year, the week’s theme is ‘Blaze a Trail’ and has already seen a range of activities and events being hosted across the country in a bid to change the perceptions people have on what an apprenticeship is and who takes them up, and to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take up an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said: “Blazing a trail is what being an apprentice is all about and is our theme for this year. “Because that’s what’s happening up and down the country – apprentices and employers blazing a trail. “I want everyone to recognise the change that apprenticeships can bring - for employers blazing a trail to new markets, apprentices to new career opportunities, and for colleges and training providers raising the skills levels for everyone.” The facts about an apprenticeship from sponsor Bath College An apprenticeship is a real job with real pay, combining all the benefits of a regular position with training. You work towards a recognised qualification while gaining essential on-the-job skills and earning a real wage. Apprenticeships give you a direct path into employment and allow you to start your career straight away, giving you the combination of work experience and qualifications that employers are looking for. Apprenticeships often suit students who have a clear idea of their career path and who no longer want to study full-time in a classroom environment. Anyone living in England, over 16 years old and not in full-time education, can be an apprentice. The minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.70 an hour plus travel expenses, although many employers pay more than this, with the average weekly wage being £170 per week. You will also receive the same benefits as other employees, including paid holidays and pension benefits.
About Bath College
The college has a long history of running apprenticeship courses to a high standard and has great relationships with many large employers in the South West. It was the 2016 Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year for Bath and Bristol – the third time in four years it has won the award The college is above the national average for apprenticeship achievement rates It is currently the largest provider of apprenticeships in B&NES, with almost 530 apprentices in training with over 260 businesses Over the last year, the college’s apprenticeship team has increased its provision, working with over 60 companies to offer apprenticeship programmes in nine new business areas.