Employers urged to support National Apprenticeship Week

Businesses are being encouraged to host activities and events ahead of National Apprenticeship Week beginning on March 3rd.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which is behind the seven-day extravaganza, is urging companies across the UK to organise workshops and meetings under the theme of Great Apprenticeships.

It is hoping this will show how valuable apprenticeships can be for firms and for developing the careers of young people who want to venture down less traditional routes into work.

Karen Woodward, interim national director of apprenticeships at the NAS, said she is excited to begin counting down to the seventh edition of National Apprenticeship Week, with even more partners supporting the event than ever.

"National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine the spotlight on apprenticeships and how they help employers grow their own talent and provide a great opportunity for apprentices to earn while they learn," she added.

There are various actions employers can take to show their support of the occasion, including hosting an open day dedicated to highlighting the work that apprentices do; organising a job swap between an apprentice and a member of management; and tweeting pictures of products made by apprentices.

In the past, National Apprenticeship Week has met with great success, and only last year it triggered an increase in awareness of the training following a heightened social media buzz and 18,000 online applications were made for positions.

This year's events are bound to be just as fruitful, and it is hoped more businesses will recognise the value of taking on young people and moulding them to their firm's needs.

Any employers that want to access tools from an expert service should turn to Virtual College, an e-learning provider equipped with lots of excellent resources that can help managers launch flexible and engaging apprenticeship training.

Its YP Training platform and numerous online solutions are available to a wide range of learners and enhance teaching through the practical integration of new technology.