Bridgwater College’s Apprenticeship and Careers Open Evening on Thursday 10 March celebrated the start of National Apprenticeship Week, and a record 151 Apprenticeship vacancies were pledged by employers in the one night!
Matt Tudor, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Bridgwater College said, “Back in 2011 the College hit record numbers with just over 100 Apprenticeship pledges, which took 100 days, as part of the 100 in 100 national campaign. But to have over 150 Apprenticeship pledges in one evening is absolutely tremendous!
“The 100 in 100 campaign five years ago was part of the development of employer recognition of Apprenticeships, and to receive over that number in just one evening only five years later, demonstrates Bridgwater College’s success in development of Apprenticeships with employers and industry needs.
“Our Apprenticeship provision is going from strength to strength having doubled since 2012. We are always responding to industry needs and continue to invest in our facilities, including a £6 million new Advanced Engineering Centre, due to be completed later this year and the £3 million Agricultural Innovation Centre, which was opened by Dragon’s Den star, Deborah Meaden in 2015.”
The Open Evening saw employers meet with hundreds of potential apprentices during the event, offering Apprenticeships in a variety of different subjects including engineering, leather goods, and butchery to name just a few. The evening also saw the first appearance within the South West, of the Association of College’s Apprenticeship Torch. The driving force of the Pass the Torch campaign is an Olympic-style torch which represents the passing on of Apprenticeship and employer knowledge. Employers are asked to pledge their support for Apprenticeships and Traineeships, showcasing their commitment to the government’s target to reach 3 million Apprenticeships by 2020.
If you would like more information about Apprenticeships with Bridgwater College, please contact the Bridgwater College Business Development team on 01278 655111.