Apprenticeship class at New College. Pictured l-r teacher Linda Scarrott, Caitlin Williams, Sam Sokol and Andrew Pullen
THIS week, hundreds of 16 to 25 year-olds will learn valuable life skills for the workplace and beyond as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Over the next few days New College in Swindon will offer a chance for people already in work, and those looking for a change, to learn from professional tutors.
Classroom-led sessions will be held in September and sign-ups galore are expected by New College this week for all kinds of free courses.
The two types of apprenticeships available for people who want to get involved include employer-led schemes, for those with a job, and programme-led schemes for those without. New College will be offering schemes relating to office administration, childcare and sports and leisure.
However, the college is willing to add more choice if they secure the right number of candidates.
Swindon College will also be offering some of the more traditional apprenticeships such as plumbing and building.
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Connie Jeapes, apprenticeships manager at New College, believes apprenticeships often assist people to secure better money and quicker promotions.
She said: "Apprenticeships are a great solution if you want to be earning real money but don't want to miss out on gaining qualifications.
"By gaining relevant qualifications and getting experience in the workplace, apprentices are in a great position to secure a good rate of pay and get promoted up through the company."
Caitlin Williams, 17, a student of business administration, found out about the programme through a friend.
She said: "I don't know what career I want to go into but I would like something in customer services, because I like talking to people.
"I believe that being an apprentice will help me decide which field I am best suited to and give me the tools to succeed in that field."
Andrew Pullen, 17, an accounting student, found out about the programme through Connexions, an agency that gives advice to young people.
He said: "I am in a 12-week course at the moment and at the end I am looking to secure a placement.
"I am looking for a job in accounting.
"This course should help me figure out what type.
"All I know right now is that I am good with numbers and good in maths."
Anyone interested in signing up for a course or finding out more is asked to contact Connie Jeapes on 0808 1783859.
Or they can visit www.newcollege.ac.uk or call Connexions on 0808 0013219.
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