Member Article

Merseyside college’s action-packed plans for Apprenticeship Week

Bootle’s Hugh Baird further education college is running a busy schedule throughout National Apprenticeship Week to drive awareness, understanding and demand for apprenticeships.

A key event on Wednesday March 5 will see employers from across the Liverpool City Region being invited to gather for a special lunch to meet current Hugh Baird College apprentices and their employers.

This will provide an insight into the mechanics of running successful apprenticeship programmes. Employers wishing to attend this Lunch should contact Sam Breen on 0151 353 4460.

Hugh Baird College assistant assistant principal Mike Mounfield said the campaign would bring together colleges, schools, apprentices and employers from across the Liverpool City Region.

“We are aiming to deliver a comprehensive package of events to raise the profile of apprenticeships,” he said. “Our range of activities will provide advice, guidance and support to all involved along the apprenticeship journey, from school students to parents and employers.

“One of the key objectives of National Apprenticeship Week is to celebrate apprenticeship talent, skill and achievement. At Hugh Baird College we recognise the great importance of these roles.

“We have a highly active apprenticeship programme running across departments, and we are continuing to see numbers rise steadily. We also have active relationships with employers throughout the region through our Business Development Centre which helps to place our students in apprenticeship roles.

“This week will provide a unique opportunity to join a national campaign to champion apprenticeships. It further demonstrates how these roles can help fuel the demand for skilled workers across the Liverpool City Region.”

Upcoming events taking place at the college include a “taster day”. This will give pupils and teachers from local schools a chance to learn about apprenticeship framework opportunities offered by the College.

It will open its doors to parents to provide advice and support on apprenticeship schemes, including information on the range of levels available and where to find out about vacancies.

Michelin-starred TV chef Nigel Haworth will host a number of glitzy events at the Bootle campus. Nigel will share his experiences of developing a pioneering hospitality apprenticeship scheme in partnership with the college’s L20 Hotel School.

Mr Mounfield said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a terrific platform to promote the key benefits of apprenticeships and training.

“We recognise the positive impact apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. They play a fundamental role in driving up career and employment opportunities and will greatly help to address the skills shortages across our region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .