Giving Apprentices the Edge

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (14-18 March), EDGE Sharper Skills for Enterprise is holding an Information and Sign Up Day on Wednesday, 16 March at its shop in Huntingdon.

Whether you are starting out or looking for a new career, an apprenticeship scheme could be the answer you are looking for.  As well as earning while you gain valuable skills and work experience, apprenticeships can lead to long-term careers with forward-thinking companies that are prepared to invest in their future workforce.

Rachel Kelly from EDGE partner, Groundwork said:

“Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to learn the skills needed for a new career in a practical environment.  There’s a diverse range of apprenticeships available in the area and we’ll have companies that are recruiting as well as education providers at the shop on 16 March to discuss opportunities and answer any questions.”

Apprenticeships are open to all ages, not just recent school-leavers and EDGE is encouraging everyone interested to drop into the shop in St Benedict’s Court between 10am and 4pm on 16 March to find out more.

EDGE Sharper Skills for Enterprise has organised the event as part of its on-going remit to help local businesses develop training and skills programmes to address their current and future staffing needs as well as providing local people with advice about careers and development opportunities in the area.

Rebecca Britton, Communities and Partnerships for Urban&Civic said:

“EDGE evolved from the Enterprise Zone Skills Group, which was set up with local public and private sector partners to maximise the benefits from the creation of thousands of jobs from the delivery and development of Alconbury Weald - and it’s great to see successful apprenticeship schemes in action on the site.”

EDGE and West Anglia Training Association (WATA) have also been working with leading manufacturers in Huntingdon to develop a composites engineering apprenticeship programme in response to significant growth and increasing demand for relevant skills.  Four apprentices started in October last year and representatives from WATA will be able to tell you more about these and other opportunities coming up.

Also attending the event are Cambridge Regional College, Huntingdon Regional College, J Breheny Contractors Ltd, College of Animal Welfare and RG Carter.

For more information, please call 01480 413141 or email info@sharperskills.co.uk