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Over 1,000 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 from 12-5pm, 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, all who will be found in the Octagon offering apprenticeship opportunities.

Many attendees of the 2018 event went onto secure positions at local companies after attending and making the most of networking opportunities.

Nick, from a Bath based company, took on an apprentice following last year’s Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair. He said, “Pivoting our recruitment strategy to apprenticeships has been a revolutionary shift for our company.

“There is quite simply no way that we would have grown to the stage that we are without the support of the National Apprenticeship Service, and our apprenticeship provider.

“I could not recommend apprenticeships highly enough as a strategy for recruitment, training and growth.”

His apprentice, Oliver, added, “Having an apprenticeship has allowed me to not only work within my field of interest, but to earn money and develop my professional skills with a well reputed company.

“I would highly recommend considering an apprenticeship to anyone looking for post GCSE or A level prospects.”

Ryan Legge

Apprenticeships offer a way to progress quickly in your chosen field, as Ryan Legge, Account Executive at Hayes Parsons found.

Ryan completed his A Levels and decided on an apprenticeship rather than going to university. “I was keen to carry on my education but in a working environment, learning on-the-job and being paid, leaving the classroom behind.

“The Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers apprenticeship scheme immediately stood out to me. Not only could I work in an evolving industry with an incredible amount of opportunity, but Hayes Parsons passionately support apprentices in their industry training. Fast-forward almost six years and I am now a Chartered Insurance Broker (the highest recognition available, equivalent to a degree) and work within our sales team as an Account Executive.”

Ben King, a Bath College student and apprentice at Bath Building Society, said, “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.”

Bath Building Society staff with Ben King, apprentice, second from right

To find out about apprenticeship opportunities in the local area and beyond, visit The Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair on 27 March, no registration required.