THE Herefordshire Apprenticeship Showcase organised by Herefordshire Council in High Town on July 20 has been heralded a great success.

The event as part of ‘100 Apprentices in 100 days Campaign’ running in the Hereford Times in collaboration with the National Apprenticeship Service supported by Herefordshire Council, Jobcentre Plus and training providers.

This event provided the opportunity to discuss Apprenticeship vacancies, types of vocational training available and to take part in the various demonstrations including hair design with Keith St Peter, cakes icing with Riverside and opportunity to longboard with PGL.

Julia Bakewell of the National Apprenticeship Service explained: “We received more than 100 enquiries at this event. It was really good to talk to people about apprenticeship opportunities in Herefordshire and to explore opportunities for people of all ages.

“Many people were unaware apprenticeships are work based learning programmes that enable the apprentice to earn a wage whilst gaining on the job experience and skills that lead to nationally recognised qualifications.”

Training providers taking part in the event thought it was a great success Jo Mortimer of PGL said: “Enquiries ranged from parents/ teachers who were sending and taking groups away and wanted more info, to young people who were interested in working for us and doing training. This was probably a ratio of 1:3. I would estimate in total we had around 100 people making enquiries in total.

“The success I feel was due to the location. Having it in the middle of the city on a busy day attracted adults who were out of work as well as some young people who had been brought along by teachers or mentors.”

Anthony Pask of JTL Training said: “We thought it was a good event. As well as talking to young people who were very interested we were also getting relatives picking things up for this year school leavers.”

Phil Broomhead from Riverside commented: “It was a very timely and welcome opportunity to showcase the importance of apprenticeships and to answer queries from parents and school leavers alike. With the cake icing demo we were able to attract interest and answer any queries about taking up an apprenticeship in Hospitality & Catering whether it be as a new entrant or as continued professional development for those aspiring to progress in the hospitality industry”.

Jobcentre Plus also received a range of enquiries from new and existing customers about vacancies and benefits.

Looking for an apprenticeship?

Register as individual and start searching for apprenticeship vacancies at apprenticeships.org.uk To speak to an adviser, call: 0808 001319 (age 13-19) or 0800 100900 (age 19+) Visit myherefordshire.com/youthzone Or call 01432 269404

Interested in taking on an apprentice?

Find out more how you can employ an apprentice, in and around Herefordshire area Enquire online via apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers.aspx Or call 08000 150 600