News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council is offering support for students who wish to consider apprenticeships following GCSE results day through an information event on 23 August at County Hall, Trowbridge, from 12.30-1pm.

The event is open to all parents and children from Year 8 upwards and will feature a presentation to include information on topics including:

● Pay
● The range of careers apprenticeships can lead to
● What are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?
● Who can do an apprenticeship?

In addition to the main event, there will also be a drop-in session on 23 August from 11.30am-1.30pm in the Atrium at County Hall where advisers can answer questions about apprenticeships.

Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for education, explained, “More and more Wiltshire employers are offering apprentices a chance to study for A Level-standard qualifications while also working and earning a wage.

“Apprenticeships are changing beyond recognition, opening career pathways in industries not normally associated with apprenticeships.”

“They can be a terrific option for the right candidates.”

For example, Goughs Solicitors – with offices in Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Trowbridge, Melksham and Devizes – see apprenticeships as a big part of their recruitment. From September 2018 they are giving young people the opportunity to study a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship. They hope to set successful apprentices on the way to Solicitor Apprenticeships – which would include a fully-funded law degree.

In South West Wiltshire, the number of Advanced Apprenticeship starts – equivalent to A Levels – has increased by more than 60% in the last three years.

In 2016/17 there were more than 470 Level 3 apprenticeship starts in South West Wiltshire, compared to 290 in 2013/14.

For more information about apprenticeships see the Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships on the Work Wiltshire website https://workwiltshire.co.uk/parents/