WILTSHIRE College & University Centre has set itself a bold challenge of recruiting 100 apprentices in 100 days to mark National Apprenticeship Week.
The campaign is just part of a week of activities across the college’s four campuses in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge during the week of February 10 to 16.
The college, which works with around 2,000 apprentices, is launching the 100 in 100 campaign to help more businesses to discover the benefits of training homegrown staff through an apprenticeship.
Its five Business Relationship Managers will be out visiting companies throughout the 100 days to explain how the college can help them – and deliver specially baked 100 in 100 cupcakes.
“We work with a huge range of employers to provide more than 70 different apprenticeships all over the county and beyond and we enrol around 700 new apprentices every year,” said Director of Business Development, Martin Reeves.
“However it’s my firm belief that we can do more, which is why we’re asking employers to make a pledge to take on an apprentice. It’s great for the apprentices because they earn while they are learning and gaining a nationally recognised qualification alongside experience professionals.
“It’s good for employers too because they can bring on future talent that meets their needs by teaching them how they want them to work.”
Employers who are already taking apprentices will visit the four campuses to talk to students and there will be roadshows to tell existing students how moving into an apprenticeship after their course can help them meet their career goals.
WCUC Principal and CEO Iain Hatt, himself a former apprentice, said the opportunity to learn alongside experienced staff is hugely valuable.
“I can give a first-hand testimony to the power of the invaluable lessons learned through hands-on work experience,” he said. “An apprenticeship isn’t just a journey, it’s a transformative passage that shapes individuals into highly skilled professionals.
“Beyond the technical skills, my apprenticeship taught me the value of mentorship and learning from my peers. The guidance and wisdom imparted by those who I was learning both from and alongside were invaluable, and their insights helped to shape my professional abilities.”
Mr Reeves said the campaign will also put the spotlight on apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages, not just school leavers. “There are apprenticeships for anyone of any age in any sector,” he said.
“The 100 in 100 campaign will help us identify people in the workplace who want to learn new skills and deliver them so they can progress, which benefits them and their employers.”
A 100 in 100 page is now live with more information for employers and an opportunity to start the apprenticeship pledge process. Visit here find more information on WCUC’s apprenticeship provision.
