We Have Smashed our Apprenticeship Target!

Weston College has successfully managed to attract 323 apprenticeship opportunities in just 80 days!

With unemployment levels rising following the pandemic and youth unemployment rising by 13% in the last year, this campaign is seeking to create brighter futures for young people, adults, businesses, and the wider community, to help us build back better.

The campaign is proving popular, with employers across sectors, and all of all sizes, pledging their support to attract talent through apprenticeships.

Among the businesses that have pledged are Aardman Animation, Coombe Lodge, One Big Circle, Wessex Water, Cooke and Co Estate Agents, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, and Gas Safe.

Caroline Brittain, at Bosscut Barbers, who have hired an apprentice through the campaign, said: “The support we have received so far from the College has been second to none. We look forward to developing our apprentice and hopefully many more apprentices in the future.”

Jennifer Drew, Manager, at Ridgeway House, agreed, saying: “The whole apprenticeship process has been really easy, and our new apprentice has brought fresh ideas and energy to the team which has been really important in our business.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, added: “I am delighted that we are bucking the national trend, and delivering apprenticeships that are impacting both learners and employers – something vital in the current climate.

“To hit 300 apprenticeships with 20 days to spare is incredible, so I’d like to thank our local business community who have got behind the campaign and pledged to support our community, by offering residents the opportunity to retrain, upskill or get their first taste of employment.

“Now is an even better time for organisations to pledge than usual too, with the government offering incentives of up to £4,000 per apprentice that employers decide to hire.”

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who leads the Combined Authority, said: “This is fantastic news for local people who are considering an apprenticeship.

"Congratulations to the team at Weston college for securing such excellent opportunities with some of the West of England's top businesses.

"I'm proud that the West of England Combined Authority which I lead works closely with Weston College, funding projects to develop training improve career opportunities. The construction and healthcare apprentices I met recently at the college were all bright and enthusiastic so it is wonderful to hear about the opportunities for the next group of people ready to gain new skills."

There is still time to get involved with the campaign, you can do so, here.