Apprenticeship scheme heads to South Oxfordshire

A scheme that encourages Oxfordshire businesses to find out more about the processes in employing Apprentices heads to South Oxfordshire this month.

The ‘Making Sense of Apprenticeships’ event gives local employers the opportunity to find out about the positive impacts Apprentices can have in the workplace and have their questions answered by a panel of experts in the field. They can also learn more about funding opportunities, including details of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

The scheme is run by Oxfordshire Apprenticeships, which is a partnership of organisations including Oxfordshire County Council and will be held at Grove Technology Park on February 13.  

Making Sense of Apprenticeships

Paddy Patterson, Skills Partnership Officer at Oxfordshire County Council, said: 'We’re finding that more and more businesses are interested in Apprenticeships but need some help make sense of how it all works and they get started. By giving the facts, busting the myths and using real employers and real apprentices to speak about their experiences, we’re able to use our events to get the key messages across in a way that is much needed.'

Kate Carruthers, Operations Manager at Oxford Wood recycling was among the attendees praising a similar event held at Monument Park, Chalgrove last October. She said: 'A wealth of information presented in an accessible and clear format. At last, a sensible approach to explaining things.'

Hands-on experience

Steve Head, Park Manager at Grove Technology Park, is delighted that the next Oxfordshire Apprenticeships event is being held in Grove. He said: 'For many young people today, the idea of a formal Apprenticeship may prove to be a far better option than a university degree. The ability to gain hands-on experience with mentoring from the beginning is surely going to jump-start many promising and fulfilling careers.  This campaign is likely to bring much enlightened thinking to the subject and we welcome the event being held at Grove Technology Park.'

Making a difference

Councillor Melanie Magee, Deputy Mayor of Bicester and Cherwell's Lead Councillor on Apprenticeships, is looking forward to being one of the panel of experts at the event. She said: 'Apprenticeships provide a fantastic way of developing skills within any industry and I speak from experience as someone who has had five Apprentices. An Apprentice can make a real difference to a business. They can open up opportunities for existing staff to mentor and impart knowledge, whilst growing future talent to meet ever changing customer choices and needs. With over 250 different types of Apprenticeship available, there is something that every business can benefit from, whilst supporting the local community through providing new opportunities.'

It takes place on Wednesday 13 February, 9.30-11.30am and is being hosted by Grove 2000 Plc. To find out more and register free, visit: http://makingsensegrove.eventbrite.co.uk.