National Apprenticeship Week launches next Monday (3 March), a focal point in the year for businesses, colleges and young people to come together to raise the profile, and understand the benefits, of apprenticeships.
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, Vauxhall’s Luton Plant will host an apprenticeship careers event for school pupils aged 14-18. Vauxhall’s head office will also host a series of CV and interview workshops for local school students. The company’s own apprentices will visit schools during the week to take part in careers fairs and presentations to inspire the next generation of apprentices.
Each day of the apprenticeship event will see school pupils take a tour of the Vauxhall plant that builds the Vivaro van – the UK’s most produced commercial vehicle. They will then take part in a workshop and listen to presentations from current apprentices. Bedford College will also be on hand to answer questions and give students information regarding learning while working.
Dick Burgoine, Vauxhall Manager for Product Evaluation and Service Support, said, “Many young people are confused when it comes to choosing a path when they leave school. This event will give them a good idea of what to expect should they choose the apprenticeship route. Most apprenticeships take between two and four years to complete, following which they can go on to enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling career.”
Vauxhall Motors has successfully entered a team into the Brathay Challenge 2014. The Brathay Challenge is designed to discover the ‘Apprentice Team of the Year’ through a set of challenges including raising the profile of apprenticeships, contributing to local community projects and fundraising. The team, consisting of commercial and engineering apprentices across all Vauxhall sites will be battling against around 90 teams to win the 2014 trophy.
Engineering, Motor Vehicle Technician, Commercial, IT and Accountancy apprenticeships are available for 2014 at Vauxhall. For more information of training while working, contact Bedford College on 01234 291080, or e-mail: mpalmer@bedford.ac.uk.
