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Young people will get the opportunity to meet potential apprenticeship providers and employers at Bath College’s annual Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair.

The event is taking place at the Assembly Rooms on 27 March between 12pm and 5pm and is free to enter, giving local businesses the chance to showcase their vacancies to local people.

This year’s lead sponsors are Bath Building Socie­­ty, B&NES, Creative Bath and Curo. Other sponsors include Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), ABDynamics, Mayden Academy and West of England Combined Authority (WECA). All of our sponsors will be found in the Octagon offering apprenticeship opportunities.

Last year’s event was attended by over 1,000 young people, with a number of these going on to secure positions at local companies after attending and making the most of networking opportunities.

Ben King, a Bath College student and apprentice at Bath Building Society, recalls, “For me, an apprenticeship is better than going into a job from uni as I’m building my skillset now while I’m at college. I’m in a business environment, answering phones, working in an office, learning the skills on the job.”

Katherine Banks at Bath Building Society explained the importance of apprentices. “We really like to help people to grow. As they’re younger, we can develop their skills and mould them into what’s required.”

Wessex Water have four apprentices working for them, including Kuani Blow, who was studying Business at Bath College. He explained,“I found hands-on learning a beneficial approach for me, and I love doing the business apprenticeship at Wessex Water”.

Event organiser Lucy Beattie commented, “This is an excellent opportunity to come and find out what’s on offer locally and nationally.
Companies exhibiting are offering some really exciting apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 right up to degree level. It’s a great chance to explore the different sectors and growth areas for our region, whether you’re interested in an engineering career, joining the forces, childcare or insurance management.

“The fair keeps growing year on year and we have lots of new employers joining us. We’re looking forward to welcoming 16 to 18-year-olds at the start of their career paths. Or if you’re already in a job and thinking of a career change, come along to find out about the different routes available to re-train.”

www.bathcollege.ac.uk