During this year‚ National Apprenticeship Week (8
th- 14
th February), there has never been a better time to explore how apprenticeships can work for you. This year‚ theme is ‚ÄòBuild the Future,‚Äô in testimony to how apprenticeships build the skills and knowledge for individuals to thrive in their careers; creating a highly-skilled workforce of the future.
Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan says, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, opening up new and exciting career paths that can transform lives. It‚ been a tough year for everyone, but we want the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to look ahead to how apprenticeships can futureproof workforces and boost careers.
Top tips from our Apprenticeships Team
- Make sure your CV is regularly updated and in chronological order – starting with your most recent experience.
- If you are selected for interview, read through the job description before you attend, and try to come up with some situations that you have completed those tasks before. This is one of the most frequently asked questions by interviewers.
- Prepare your route to interview the day before and make sure that you arrive 10 minutes early. Arriving late sets you off on a really bad foot.
- Try to self-source your own employer. This cuts out any interview competition and lets the employer know how proactive and keen to work you are.
- Employers like to see passion from a potential apprentice for their chosen industry and the company they are applying to work for. Show this in your interview.
Candidate successes
Shaun Tyrer - Level 3 Brickwork apprenticeship with Vinci Construction
Level 3 Brickwork student Shaun Tyrer has thoroughly enjoyed his apprenticeship, after being selected to work for Vinci Construction. The company was responsible for building the prestigious Time Square development; Warrington‚ multi-million pound business and leisure hub. Shaun has now secured a full time job with Loftus Construction. Speaking of his time at college, former Birchwood High School student Shaun says, I owe a lot to my tutors at Warrington
& Vale Royal College. They have given me the skills and knowledge to prove I can do this.
Nia Millington- Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship with Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust
Business Administration apprentice Nia completed her Level 2 course with Warrington
& Halton Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, and is now employed as a full time Ward Accreditation Administrator. She says, My role as an apprentice was varied and includes supporting the e-rostering team, recruitment and retention priorities and also the ward accreditation programme.
Nia explains that undertaking an apprenticeship has really helped to boost her confidence; Not only have I learned practical skills to enable me to fulfil an administration role, I have also grown as a person and have gained confidence in my abilities. Nia is currently undertaking the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and is looking forward to further enhancing her skills and knowledge.
Phill Darwin - Level 2 Plumbing apprenticeship with Northwest Heating Services Ltd
Adult apprentice Phill Darwin is currently completing his Level 2 Plumbing apprenticeship with Warrington based company Northwest Heating Services Ltd. He says, With the work covering domestic and commercial properties, I am learning each day, and enjoy the varied jobs we work on. The engineers are very experienced and are really helping with developing my skills and knowledge.
His employer James Brookfield, Director of Northwest Heating Services, describes Phill as a ‚Äòfantastic addition to the team‚Äô and a ‚Äògreat asset.‚Äô He values having an apprentice on the team stating, As a business it‚ great to mould your apprentice to your way of working, ensuring quality and professionalism.
Apprenticeships at Warrington & Vale Royal College
At Warrington
& Vale Royal College, we offer a highly successful programme of apprenticeships, ranging from construction trades such as bricklaying and electrical installation to office-based roles such as business administration and human resources. Our learners are supported by our dedicated Apprenticeships Team who manage the apprenticeship journey- from writing a CV and helping with interviewing techniques to securing an employer. The college also offers a Matching Service; a valuable tool where learners can be added to our skills pool and will be matched to a suitable employer once a vacancy becomes available.
To find out more about our apprenticeships offer, email
apprenticeships@wvr.ac.uk.
