Young people in Derbyshire are being given a helping hand to find out about and apply for apprenticeship vacancies.
Derbyshire County Council has teamed up with the National Apprenticeship Service to offer young people the chance to meet apprenticeship providers and register online for vacancies.
It comes as the government calls for more employers to take on apprentices to match the growing demand.
Nationally an average of 11 people apply for each apprenticeship vacancy and the National Apprenticeship Service says online applications for apprenticeships are up 32% compared to last year.
Councillor Andy Botham, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said: “Apprenticeships are a great alternative to college, sixth form and university.
“They’re also great for Derbyshire’s economy and we encourage all Derbyshire businesses to consider taking on an apprentice.
“I’d urge all young people to come along to Derbyshire Skills Festival which is a perfect opportunity for them to chat to apprenticeship providers about vacancies available with Derbyshire employers.”
Derbyshire Skills Festival is Derbyshire’s largest careers event for young people. This year the festival will take place at three venues:
- Pride Park Stadium, Derby on 18 and 19 September
- University of Derby, Buxton on 24 September
- Proact Football Stadium, Chesterfield on 25 September
As well as apprenticeships, young people can find out about all the options open to them when they finish Year 11 including college, sixth form, traineeships and volunteering.
All events are free and will start at 3.30pm and finish around 8pm.
Find out more about the skills festival and see a list of apprenticeship providers who will be at each event at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/skillsfestival
Young people can search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies at www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Source: Derbyshire County Council
