Why ambitious school leavers should consider apprenticeships

Matt Firth from Harrogate Spring Water made the statement after recent figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggested England has the highest university tuition fees in the developed world.

The 22-year-old said apprenticeships offer young people a debt-free route into ‘exciting and rewarding’ careers at a time when university education can be expensive.

At Harrogate Spring Water, Mr Firth is responsible for keeping the lines running at the plant, keeping everything in good working order and overseeing millions of pounds’ worth of highly advanced manufacturing machinery.

He joined the company as one of its first engineering apprentices, aged 17. He worked his way through the ranks and is now a fully qualified engineer.

“I’ve learnt so much from my very first day back in 2015, and I’m lucky enough to be working on some of the most technically advanced projects on one of the most environmentally efficient facilities in the world,” he said.

Mr Firth began his apprenticeship with Harrogate Spring Water straight from his studies at King James’s School in Knaresborough.

He added: “Choosing to go straight into an apprenticeship after leaving school meant I could start earning while learning, and thanks to that decision I’ve recently been able to buy my first home, which is something I’m very proud of.”

James Cain OBE, managing director of Harrogate Spring Water, said: ““The fact is, there are hundreds of Yorkshire companies running exciting programmes that offer gateways to high quality, rewarding careers across a range of sectors.

“I’d strongly recommend that ambitious young people look at apprenticeships. And for businesses across Yorkshire, now is a great time to invest in them.”

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James Mitchinson