Visitors explore apprenticeship opportunities at Rotherham College
Rotherham College has been celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2020 by helping local people look beyond typical progression routes in education and employment and explore the various opportunities that an apprenticeship can provide.
The event, organised by RNN Training, shone a spotlight on the different sectors we deliver apprenticeships in with a real focus on Engineering, Construction, Hair and Beauty as well as providing information about higher and degree apprenticeships.
Visitors to the event had the opportunity to speak to tutors, have a tour of the college facilities, speak to our Skills Consultants about some of the employers we work with and the apprenticeship positions that these businesses recruit for.
RNN Training Skills Consultant Sean Ibrahim was on hand at the event to provide a range of information about our engineering apprenticeships and current vacancies.
Sean said: “It’s been fantastic to meet so many young people that are interested in a career in engineering. There is a very real skills gap in the engineering industry at the moment and apprenticeships are the perfect way to address the current issues.
“My advice to the people I’ve spoken to today is to really concentrate on getting their Maths and English to at least a Grade 4. It really does open up more opportunities.
“I’d also call for employers in all industries, but particularly Engineering, to open up work experience and industry placement opportunities and encourage anyone interested in working within the industry to grasp every opportunity.”
Maltby Academy pupil Sam Gibson attended the event and was keen to learn more about apprenticeships and whether it was the right fit for him.
Sam said: “I wanted to gain more knowledge of what is available here and try and work out what I want to do when I leave school in six months’ time. An apprenticeship might be right for me, I’m interested in possibly looking at construction or engineering which I think might be a good fit for me.
“I’m still thinking about what might be right for me, but the way the schedule works with an apprenticeship with only doing one day a week at College and the rest of the time at work might be good for me, and I’d get to earn a bit of money – so that would be good!”
RNN Training Director of Apprenticeships Lisa Wilson was at the event and met with a number of visitors who had big ambitions for the future.
Lisa said: “It’s been fantastic to meet so many people at this event that are excited to learn about apprenticeships, the people I’ve spoken with today have looked beyond traditional routes of education and employment and see the value that an apprenticeship can have for them.
“I think it’s really important that the role of apprentices, and the impact they have on business, are celebrated, and that we continue to showcase the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship can offer.
“We need to help educate people and show that apprenticeships aren’t only a great way to start a career but that they are a cost-effective way to upskill existing staff and management – particularly with the range of higher and degree apprenticeships that are now available.”