A career fair aimed at encouraging people of all ages to consider an apprenticeship has been hailed a success by an MP.
Tatton MP Esther McVey attended the event, organised by Barclays which saw dozens of businesses across the area including AstraZeneca, UK Fast, colleges, hotels, Police, Army and marketing company Juice Academy come together to show people what they had to offer.
Ms McVey said: “There are so many opportunities for people to take on apprenticeships and it is so important that people understand it is not just for 16 to 18 year olds. The myth is that they are only for young people but apprenticeships are a route into a career for any one of any age, can offer people a route to changing a career.”
Claire Findlay, Head of Apprenticeships at Barclays, said: “At Barclays, we strive to be a forward thinking bank and a force for stability, as evident by our wide range of apprenticeships from foundation to master's level. There is no single 'type of person' who does well here, whatever your background or previous education you can apply for an apprenticeship scheme. We look for people with passion and drive for their chosen area, who will develop with us and bring their unique skills and ability on-board whilst they grow and learn with the company.”
During the fair Ms McVey took part in a round table event talking to some who had used an apprenticeship to change career later on in their working life. Two older apprentices told their stories, including a 30 year old pub manager who was struggling to get a job despite a high skill set. A university graduate also told her story of how she could not get a job in her field and therefore decided to embark on an apprenticeship to help start her career.
Ms McVey added: “We were lucky enough to be joined by people who had firsthand experience of studying an apprenticeship when they were older. Their stories were testament to how apprenticeships have changed over the years and how they are open to anyone.
“It was encouraging to see so many businesses across the area come together in support of apprenticeships and discuss ideas about how we can all work together to encourage more people into work.”
Previously apprenticeships had been associated with young people who wanted to learn a trade or those who did not want to go to university. But the schemes have changed and offer a variety of opportunities for people of any age. Apprenticeships can result in a degree qualification but focus on both work and learning.
For further information of Barclays Apprenticeships, please visit https://joinus.barclays/eme/apprenticeships/
