This year, National Apprenticeship Week will be held between the 8th and 14th of February. This year’s chosen theme is ‘Build the Future’: a positive nod towards life after the pandemic is over.
There will be many activities online! Students and teachers should visit amazingapprenticeships.com/naw2021, where there are plenty of videos and resources to help young people think about whether an apprenticeship is right for them, and help them get a better idea of the area they might want to work in.
In short, Apprenticeships are a way of continuing learning, upskill and gain professional qualifications at any time, and to any level.
Gillian Keegan, the Minister for Apprenticeships & Skills, is a former apprentice herself and understands the importance of on the job training, as well as the positive effects it can have on your future career: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to earn while you learn, opening up new and exciting career paths that can transform lives. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but we want the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to look ahead to how apprenticeships can futureproof workforces and boost careers.”
About Skillnet apprenticeships
Every year, Skillnet trains thousands of young people across the UK. We specialise in automotive industry apprenticeships, including light vehicle technician, heavy vehicle technician, as well as customer service and business administration.
Once they qualify, our school leaver apprentices frequently go on to do higher level apprenticeships that specialise in specific vocational areas, as well as supervisory and learning mentor qualifications.
Where can a Skillnet apprenticeship take you?
Further down the line, you may want to go into management like Ford’s David Cross who is now a District Manager. After a few years working as a toolmaker, he spotted an opportunity in his dealer’s finance department, learned new skills and took on new challenges. He progressed so well he gained his first leadership role at the age of 38 (two years ahead of schedule)!
Many apprentices become quite competitive and there are a number of awards they can enter. The most prestigious is the WorldSkills Competition, which is the Olympics of apprenticeships. Next year, Skillnet apprentice Matthew Bundy’s apprenticeship will take him a long way geographically – as he is due to compete on behalf of the UK at the global championships in Shanghai (which has been postponed from this year).
Apprentices are for everyone!
If you’re interested in doing something, go for it! Don’t be put off because you think it’s not for someone like you. Charlotte Ward had always liked working with cars, and when she realised university wasn’t for her, she started a technical apprenticeship in a Ford repair shop.
Keep an eye on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for more information and interviews with Skillnet apprentices during National Apprentice Week.
Look out for the hashtags #NAW2021 #FireitUp #BuildTheFuture