The Isle of Wight Council has held its first in-person apprenticeships fair for young people in over two years.
The event, hosted by the Isle of Wight College and in partnership with Solent LEP, was attended by 300 young people and parents who received the latest information about the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available both on the Island and further afield.
Education providers supported the event, offering information about career and apprenticeship pathways from intermediate qualifications right through to degree level, including the Isle of Wight College, HTP Apprenticeship College, UKSA, CLC, local sixth forms and the Southern Universities Network (SUN).
Young people were also able to speak directly with employers about the skills and qualifications they look for when recruiting, and the apprenticeship opportunities available, including GKN Aerospace, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, police and Armed Forces.
The Island Free School attended with a group of Year 10 students.
They said:
"The feedback from pupils and staff has been really positive; all pupils were engaged, asked lots of questions and, following the event, continued conversations about the range of options with each other and with staff.’’
Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills, said:
‘’It was a fantastic opportunity for students to attend an event in person again, and to gain such valuable information and advice about the many and varied apprenticeships and career paths available to them.
"I also attended and was able to speak with the providers and see first hand how engaged the students were in seeking out further information on a wide range of options.
"With such a broad choice on offer, students can be confident in planning a pathway for their future that is right for them, and that they will be able to make the most of the opportunities offered.’’
Planning for the council’s popular Careers and Jobs Fair in October half-term is now taking place and more details will be available soon at: www.iwight.com/islandfutures