Young people across Solihull had the chance to find out about apprenticeship opportunities earlier this week at the Solihull Apprenticeship Show.
The show, returning for the first time since 2019, took place on Wednesday 12 October at Cranmore Conference Centre.
The free event championed apprenticeships as an alternative career route to university-based degrees, and almost 2000 young people and parents/carers were in attendance.
Young people (aged 15-18) from across the borough were offered apprenticeship opportunities up to degree level from a range of employers and training providers across a wide variety of sectors such as construction, creative, law, logistics and health care.
Notable companies and organisations such as Jaguar Land Rover, NEC Group, Solihull College & University Centre, Taylor Wimpey, and West Midlands Police were present at the show, amongst others.
Current apprentices were on hand to share their experiences and answer any questions for those looking to become apprentices themselves in the near future.
Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Ken Meeson, said:
“It was great to attend the Solihull Apprenticeship Show on Wednesday which returned even bigger and better after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.”
“Our Apprenticeship Shows are a great opportunity for people in the Borough to discover the value of apprenticeships by speaking with employers. The centre was packed with young people and many older ones which kept all the exhibitors busy. Thanks to all the companies and organisations who took part and to staff who organised such a successful event.
“Offering on-the-job training and allowing people to earn as they learn, apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to university – and it was encouraging to see so many in attendance and excited by the opportunities to become apprentices.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Courts, said:
“For years, the Apprenticeship Show has been a vital day in Solihull’s economic calendar, so it moved me to see so many young people keen to take advantage of the great opportunities offered to them by our very own loyal staff and local employers and trainers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Solihull College, and Solihull Council.”
“When considering the affect the pandemic had on our ability to host the show in 2020 and 2021, the level of enthusiasm from all of those who turned out was fantastic to see.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen Grinsell, said:
“The Apprenticeship Show was a fun and lively event where young people from schools across the borough were able to talk to employers and training agencies in person.”
“Being able to seek out specific employers, interact with existing staff, and ask questions to current apprentices that really matter to young people is what makes the Show such a refreshing and meaningful event for those seeking future career opportunities in Solihull.”
For anyone who wasn’t able to attend the event, the next Solihull Apprenticeship Show will be held on 8 February 2023 at North Solihull Sports Centre between 4-8pm.