Apprenticeship expo attracts career hunters

More than 1,500 young people attended the biggest apprenticeship fair in Lancashire, its organisers have revealed.

It was the second apprenticeship event to be hosted at Preston Guild Hall and the expo also attracted more than 50 of Lancashire’s leading businesses and employers. They included BAE Systems, Baxi, National Nuclear Laboratories and Leyland Trucks.

Potential apprentices had the chance to find out about current and future vacancies, receive advice on career options and the roles available in different industries as well as meet other candidates to share experiences.

Predominantly aimed at school leavers and college students, the event also offered vacancies and training opportunities for those already in employment and adults looking to upskill, return to work or switch to a new career.

The event was run in partnership with Preston’s College and Shout Network.

Andrew Richardson, lead organiser and head of employer engagement and recruitment at Preston’s College, said: “So many fantastic success stories came out of last year’s Apprenticeship Expo and we’re looking to go even further this year with a record number of apprentices recruited.

“The event is designed to celebrate apprenticeships as a fantastic alternative to traditional academic routes, such as A Levels and degrees, and it’s great to see that there’s still a huge appetite amongst young people, their parents and carers.

“At Preston’s College, we work year-round to help people of all ages choose the right career route for them.

“Our new Professional and University pathways and #YOURNextStepYOURWay campaign gives young people the choice between on-the-job and classroom based courses that each provide the pathways to progress on to University or straight into employment.”

Organisers of the event say the benefits of apprenticeships are well documented, such as the ability to develop industry skills and experience, earn a real wage and gain a nationally recognised qualification from Level 2 to Level 7, all without the burden of any student debt.

Exhibitor Helen Chadwick, workforce representative coordinator at Lancashire Constabulary, described the event as “fantastic”.

She said: “Not only have we engaged with a superb number of potential candidates but we’ve also helped them to understand what attributes make them stand out to recruiters, such as great communication and honesty.” For more information about current apprenticeship vacancies with local employers, visit www.preston.ac.uk/appvacancies/