Residents and employers with questions about apprenticeships can get all the information they need at upcoming events during National Apprenticeship Week, 6 – 12 February.
The opportunities and benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses and communities, and a showcase of the wide-ranging options available in the borough will be covered at sessions throughout the week.
Roles in sectors including finance, law, education and hospitality are available in Croydon and local employers and apprentices will be telling their stories of how apprenticeships have worked for them. Details of the events are below:
Monday 6 February, 10am – 1pm, CALAT’s Apprenticeships open morning at Croydon Clocktower. No need to book.
Tuesday 7 February, 3 – 6pm, Apprenticeship Showcase at Croydon College. Attendees should register their place on Eventbrite.
Thursday 9 February, 5 – 6.30pm, LSBU Solicitor Apprenticeship Conference. Attendees should register their place on Eventbrite.
Thursday 9 February, 10am – 2pm, Employers Fair at Access Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon, CR0 1EA. No need to book.
Students, teachers, parents and carers can also hear about the pros and cons of higher and degree level apprenticeships, as well as top tips for success from employers, universities and apprentices, through the South London Careers Hub webinar series, running Monday to Friday.
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’. The week will reflect on how apprenticeships can help people to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.
Smaller employers could be eligible for government funding to pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs. Larger employers can use levies to pay for apprentice training. More information about this is available on the council website.
Croydon Council has been benefiting from apprenticeships for many years, providing local people with learning opportunities within the public sector.
Una Foster, senior economic development officer, Croydon Council, said: “What I love about my apprenticeship is I get to learn the theory and put it into practice the next day at work, helping me understand it so much more than if I read it in a textbook.”
Carol Squires, head of employment, skills & economic development, Croydon Council, said: “I supported Una’s apprenticeship as I recognised her as a great member of the team with a lot of potential. Una’s apprenticeship means she is constantly learning and progressing her career while doing some great work for us here at the council.”
“Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities to learn and upskill while earning a wage and are available for anyone at any stage in their career, not just when starting out.
“National Apprenticeship Week gives us the chance to highlight the wide range of opportunities available in our borough.
“I would encourage any residents and businesses interested in apprenticeships to come along to the events and find out how they can benefit from them”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
