The College of West Anglia recently welcomed employers, prospective apprentices and the wider community to two successful events aimed at raising awareness and engagement with apprenticeship opportunities across the region.
The first event, held at the King’s Lynn campus, took the form of an employer brunch, offering local businesses the chance to enjoy a light breakfast while learning more about how apprenticeships can benefit their organisations. From understanding funding options to developing tailored training pathways, employers had the opportunity to explore how apprenticeships can help them build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities at King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council, said “It’s been a useful and interesting event talking to employers who are really struggling to get the skills and qualifications for their staff that they need. So, coming together today with the DWP and other departments in the College, we are hoping that we’re going to be able to fill some of those gaps that are so desperately needed and help raise the aspirations and attainments of the local people in our community.”
Andrea James, Apprenticeship Advisor, said “Businesses have come together today to network with the apprenticeship team, to find out how we can support them better with future apprentices. It’s been a great event and the first one of many.”
The second event, an apprenticeship drop-in session, was open to members of the public looking to explore apprenticeship routes into a wide range of industries, from engineering and construction to healthcare, hairdressing, digital and business support. Visitors had the chance to speak directly with the College’s apprenticeship team, find out about current vacancies and receive one-to-one advice on how to apply.
Alison Rudd, Apprenticeship Engagement Lead, said “It’s been a fantastic event where members of the local community are able to drop in and gain valuable information and advice on next steps in applying for apprenticeship opportunities.”