Last week Weston College celebrated National Apprenticeship Week in style, with lots of activity taking place across the whole week.

We caught up with current apprentices, such as Georgia, who shared about her experiences via a blog (click here to read it): “My apprenticeship has provided me with so many opportunities, and it has really helped me to develop a number of key skills, which will benefit me in my career.”

We also delved deeper into two exciting apprenticeships that we offer; the Operational Fire Fighter Apprenticeship with Avon Fire and Rescue (click here to read the full article) and the Maritime Leadership and Development Apprenticeship (click here to read the full article).

Steve Baker, Car Trade Manager at The Bristol Port Company completed the Maritime Leadership and Development Apprenticeship, and said: “This opportunity has really elevated my career. I started the course in 2020 and it was one of the best decisions I have made.

“I am now utilising the skills I gained through the programme on a daily basis to lead a team of 63 people to successfully deliver targets.”

We also saw apprentices takeover our socials, with Maisy from Visit Somerset giving us great insight to what life is like as an apprentice.

There was much to celebrate too, with Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprentice Luke Merchant winning an award from the Institute of Motors Industry (IMI) (click here to read the full article). Luke said: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.

“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."

The week was rounded off with an extremely popular Apprenticeship Open Evening. With 23 employers in attendance, the event was busy from start to finish, with over 150 people discovering their future career path.

Head of Apprenticeships and Traineeships, Tracie Leahy, said: “National Apprenticeship Week has been another success!

“We love giving our learners a platform to share their experiences, and we are so proud of all of the apprentices who continue to not only impress us, but also their employers on a daily basis.

“One of the major highlights of the week was the Apprenticeship Open Evening. It was great to meet so many people that are considering an apprenticeship, and also to give them the chance to meet employers in the local area that are recruiting their future talent.

“We have had more than 100 people apply for an apprenticeship during National Apprenticeship Week, which is absolutely brilliant, as we seek to build the future.”

Find out more about apprenticeships, here.