Get involved with National Apprenticeship Week at East Sussex College

East Sussex College encourages students to get involved with National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February), to find out whether the apprenticeship route is the one for you. The College is also hosting two virtual events!

Each year, the College supports the National Apprenticeship Week campaign to display the pros of on-the-job training and help young people to make the best decisions about starting an apprenticeship after school or college.

The College is hosting two virtual events! One event for students, and another for parents, in order to encourage young people to take a look at some of the diverse range of available roles on offer at ESC.

The events will be hosted virtually on Zoom. The apprenticeship virtual information session for parents will take place on Wednesday 9 February, between 5pm and 7pm. The student’s virtual information event will be hosted on the same day, earlier in the afternoon at 1pm.

To register for either of these virtual events, please email apprenticeships@escg.ac.uk or call 030 300 39777.

Penny Shearer, Business Development Coordinator, said, “National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic campaign that encourages people to start talking about apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships are the perfect opportunity to earn while you learn, and represent an ideal next step for many looking to kickstart their careers. Working for a business alongside studying can often catapult your progression to another level. Whether it’s your first job or simply a new adventure, studying an apprenticeship is all about developing your skills in the workplace.”

Zoe Colledge is currently studying as a Commis Chef apprentice working in the kitchens at the Powdermills Hotel in Battle, and is a prime example of what it means to be an apprentice. The young chef outlined some of the positives of studying as an apprentice and why it’s the perfect pathway for her.

Zoe said, “I decided to become an apprentice as it’s a good way to learn, and do College work at the same time. It was a good way for me to kickstart my life and get started with an apprenticeship. I’d recommend apprenticeships as they give you a good lead in life and a headstart to get your own wages.”

Cindy Wilkinson, an East Sussex College assessor for apprentices working at the Powdermills Hotel, said, “I’d recommend that people become apprentices through East Sussex College because it’s a good qualification to get from Level 2 to Level 4 while they’re working. They can earn while they’re learning.

“As well as learning the practicalities of the job through the employer, they’re learning knowledge and experience of what makes up the whole of their job role through their qualification. I’ve been an assessor here at the hotel for over 10 years. We’ve had many learners completing Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications, from the kitchen restaurant to front of house at reception.”

If you’re thinking about starting an apprenticeship and want to find out more, click here to visit our website.