An apprenticeship fair with hundreds of apprenticeships and opportunities for young people rounds off a week of events as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Taking place from February 3 – February 7, the council has coordinated an extensive programme of events around North Tyneside, working with schools and local businesses, to showcase the achievements and benefits of apprenticeships.
North Tyneside Council has welcomed 162 apprentices since 2014, including business administration apprentice Amber Hasson, who earned a role in one of the council’s locality teams.
Speaking about her role, Amber said: “I started a business administration apprenticeship with the council in September 2018. I was based in children’s services and learnt a wide variety of skills and knowledge whilst learning and training on the job.
“I am now level 3 qualified in business administration and have successfully acquired a full-time permanent job with the council. My apprenticeship gave me the experience I needed to gain employment and taught me everything that was necessary.
“My experience was enjoyable, and I was supported all the way through it. I would recommend it to all young people who want to take that first big step into starting their careers.”
The week will culminate in North Tyneside with the annual Get Up and Go event on Saturday 8 February.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I’m delighted that we are supporting and encouraging apprenticeships in the local area.
“Apprentices have brought such unique qualities to the council and I am delighted that we continue to provide these opportunities.
“Apprenticeships allow people to get excellent on-the-job experience, while getting qualifications that they can take on and use to kickstart their career.
“I’d encourage anyone interested to come along to our Get Up and Go event, which will have a number of opportunities in a variety of different working environments.”
‘Get Up and Go’ aims to raise awareness and understanding of apprenticeships amongst young people aged 15-19 and their families. It has proved to be a popular event, with over 600 people attending in 2019.
The session will run from 10am to 1pm at the council’s Headquarters on Cobalt Business Park. Young people can drop in at any point for any length of time during the session.
The event will feature over 40 employers and providers who are actively seeking to employ and support apprentices within their business. These will include opportunities within businesses such as Accenture, Capita, Northumbria Healthcare and North Tyneside Council. There will also be organisations offering various volunteering opportunities.
Advisers from the Connexions service will be at the event to offer any advice or information, if necessary.
For further information on the Get Up and Go event, contact the Connexions service on (0191) 643 6965.
To find out more about apprenticeships in North Tyneside, email employability.skills@northtyneside.gov.uk or go to www.northtyneside.gov.uk and search for ‘apprenticeships’.
ENDS