Chance for students to learn more about taking up an apprenticeship

Semta, the employer-led Sector Skills Council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies in the UK, will join forces with the National Apprenticeship Service and Sheffield and Rotherham’s local authorities, to hold the event on March 29 to encourage more young people to consider an apprenticeship.

Hosted at The Source, it will also give students the chance to meet local employers keen to take on apprentices.

Semta apprenticeship director Bill Twigg said: “Apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing offer young people a fantastic opportunity to learn while they earn and enjoy a challenging and rewarding career. Employers want to take on and train bright young people so this is a great opportunity for A-level students to find out more about an exciting alternative to university.

“Our research shows that 5,300 scientists, engineers and technologists need to be recruited in Yorkshire and Humber by 2016 and apprenticeships will be central to their development.”

The event is expected to attract more than 120 local young people and will see Semta apprenticeship ambassadors and local employers explain the role of an apprentice and the benefits apprenticeships can offer.

Semta has teamed up with leading employers and the National Apprenticeship Service to launch the Apprentice Ambition – a 10-point plan designed to take the number of advanced and higher level apprenticeship registrations from 8,000 to 16,000 by 2016 by overcoming the barriers to takeup.

Engineering and manufacturing employers interested in finding out more about taking on an apprentice can email [email protected]