National Apprenticeship Week 2023
Bradford Council and SkillsHouse are again celebrating apprentices' contributions across the District through National Apprenticeship Week (NAW23).
Apprenticeships are an ever-popular option for people to earn while they learn and are a vital entry route to gaining the skills and experience required in the workplace.
With a wide range of apprenticeship standards to choose from - level two (equivalent to GCSEs) to level seven (masters level qualifications) - there has never been a better time to see if one is right for you.
Since April 2017, Bradford Council has used apprenticeships to up-skill existing staff and employ new apprentices through vacancies.
Over 1000 employees have accessed apprenticeship training in areas such as early years, health and social care, social work, digital marketing, management and business administration. In this financial year alone, 162 new apprentices have started within the Council.
SkillsHouse works in partnership with Bradford Council's in-house training provider, Skills for Work and other local education providers, to signpost residents to a range of apprenticeships that are appropriate for them.
Safat Tasneem who is currently studying a level 3 business administrator apprenticeship through Skills for Work said:
“The skills I am picking up will help me in all future jobs and will look really good on my CV.
“This has been a great opportunity and I have spoken to my manager about progression. I will be able to apply for many jobs and have definitely gained lots of knowledge and skills.”
On 15 February, Victoria Hall in Saltaire will host the Apprenticeships Unlocked event. Organised in partnership with the council and local colleges, the event will allow people to chat directly to employers about the apprenticeships they offer and find out more about what colleges in the local area can do to help people start a new career as an apprentice.
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said:
"It’s great that we are once again celebrating the many fantastic achievements apprentices have contributed to our District.
“Bradford Council and partners are committed to supporting and encouraging people from all ages and backgrounds to take up apprenticeships. They are an excellent route into high-quality jobs or to up-skill. They also bring many benefits to businesses that employ them.”
For information on apprenticeships across the district and support in deciding if it is right for you, speak to Bradford Council’s careers and employability service; SkillsHouse.
SkillsHouse works in partnership with business and education organisations across the district to help provide you with the guidance you need. This includes information on available apprenticeships as well as signposting to local colleges and the council’s in-house training provider, Skills for Work.
To find out more and get in touch, visit www.skillshouse.co.uk or call 01274 437373.
Discover apprentice vacancies within Bradford Council at www.bit.ly/bradfordcounciljobs or via www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship