Leeds set to mark National Apprenticeship Week

Hard-working Leeds apprentices and their employers will be celebrated with a series of events to mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.



Taking place from March 9-13, Leeds will mark the week with a series of opportunities fairs, giving people a chance to find out about all the latest vacancies and careers.



The highlight of the week will be the prestigious Leeds Apprenticeship Awards, which take place at Leeds Civic Hall on March 10.



For the fourth year in a row, the awards will recognise the positive impact apprenticeships make to the city and the local economy.



On the night, awards will be given out in seven categories across three areas.



Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to nominees in the intermediate, advanced and higher categories and will showcase the exceptional achievements of individuals during their apprenticeships.



Employer of the Year will also be awarded to small, medium and large employers and is aimed at recognising their investment in skills as well as demonstrating the many benefits apprentices bring to local businesses.



Finally the Against All Odds award will be given to an apprentice who has overcome barriers to excel within their apprenticeship.



Following on from the awards will be two apprenticeship fairs organised by the Leeds Apprenticeship Hub.



The first will take place at the Hope Mega Centre on York Road on March 12 from 10am-1pm.



The second will be at Armley Leisure Centre the next day on March 13 and will also be from 10am-1pm.



Both events will have multiple live apprenticeship vacancies on show and will include information, advice and guidance areas, offering support about how to apply and the chance to ask questions.



Appointments are not needed and anyone interested can just turn up on the day.



Local firms involved in the awards and the opportunities fairs include The Test People, One Subsea, Addleshaw Goddard, BAE Systems, Drive Computer Services Ltd, thebigword, Harvey Nichols and Zenith Chambers.



Members of the Apprenticeship Hub team will also be attending Notre Dame sixth form college’s opportunities fair on March 11.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said:



“National Apprenticeship Week gives us a fantastic opportunity to highlight the important role that apprentices and their employers play in making our city such a successful and vibrant place to live and work.



“The Leeds Apprenticeship Awards allow us to showcase the inspirational accomplishments of those already working hard to forge a new career for themselves.



“With our opportunities fairs and events, the focus is on finding the apprentices of the future and giving them the support they need to take that first crucial step.”



Apprenticeships are available in 1,500 jobs covering 170 sectors including admin, law, accountancy, construction, engineering and health and social care.



Leeds usually has more than 200 live vacancies at any one time.



For more information on apprenticeships, telephone visit www.leedspathways.org.uk or telephone the Leeds Apprenticeship Hub on 07712 214 916. Alternatively, email leeds.apprenticeship.hub@leeds.gov.uk



ENDS



For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk