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Apprenticeships are for everyone – start your career and earn while you learn

Business
14:27, Monday, 6th February 2023

People across North Lincolnshire are being urged to snap up one of the hundreds of apprenticeships that are available in a variety of sectors.

Opportunities are available in retail, engineering, IT, education and arts – giving people the chance to start a career or change careers and earn while they learn.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week – which runs from today until Sunday – North Lincolnshire Council is highlighting the range of career choices on offer and encouraging people to explore how apprenticeships can help develop new skills to have a rewarding career.

Business leaders are also being urged to make apprenticeships part of their growth plans and create even more talented workforces. Since the launch of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 the council has committed more than £2.5m to local apprenticeships, investing in more than 300 apprenticeships across North Lincolnshire.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people to earn while they learn and they give people the skills they need to develop a rewarding career.

“They are also a real asset to businesses in helping them develop a talented workforce which is equipped with a variety of skills for the future – they should be a core part of any business plan.

“It is perceived that apprenticeships are only suited to those leaving school, but there is no upper age limit and can benefit individuals who are thinking about changing their career or who want to learn new skills and boost their earning potential.

“The Jobs Expo offers the perfect opportunity for people to find out more about apprenticeships. With dozens of local leading employers attending there will be plenty of people on hand to discuss the fantastic opportunities that are available.”

The news comes as new statistics reveal that weekly wages in North Lincolnshire are higher than the national average, and more than neighbouring areas.

Apprenticeships can help people from all walks of life, from school leavers to those looking to upskill or change career and are a fantastic way to combine hands-on training with education.

The apprenticeships range from level two to level seven and include everything from civil engineering and IT to social work and horticulture.

The next region’s biggest job fair is taking place at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Wednesday 8 February 2023, from 12.30pm to 4pm, with a special session for young people, school leavers and students from 4pm to 6pm.

People will have the chance to find out about the many exciting apprenticeship opportunities that are available locally and ask any questions they may have about the process.

Many people’s careers have been transformed by taking an apprenticeship.

Rebecca Welch was already working for North Lincolnshire Council as an assistant when she was given an opportunity to do a Level 4 apprenticeship in Regulatory Compliance and has gone on to secure a full-time position as a Health and Safety Advisor.

Reflecting on her apprenticeship, she said: “This apprenticeship really opened the door for me in my career and provided with me countless opportunities for further development and training.

“It helped bring out qualities, skills and a passion for health and safety that I had never explored before. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship; I have received excellent support throughout and look forward to continuing my career.”

The Government website has details of hundreds of apprenticeships across North Lincolnshire, and people can also sign up to receive alerts when new opportunities are added.

Local residents can also access advice, guidance, skills and employment support through the council. Find out more by visiting the council website.