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National Apprenticeship Week
Action-packed week for Exeter apprentices
Apprentices at the University of Exeter will take part in a series of events during National Apprenticeship Week (5-9 March 2018).
The university employs about 40 apprentices, and they will take on challenges ranging from a live broadcast to escaping from locked rooms at Exeter’s Mission Escape.
They will also join the Apprenticeship Games in Cornwall, and help promote apprenticeships and answer questions at Exeter College’s Apprenticeship Expo.
The University of Exeter’s apprentices, aged 16-58, are employed at three campuses across Devon and Cornwall. Since April 2017, 34 apprenticeships have started at the university – a 240% increase on the year before.
“National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to raise the profile of apprenticeships and the fantastic opportunities they bring to both the apprentice individually and their employer,” said head of apprenticeships Jonathan Cresswell.
“The University of Exeter is proud to support apprenticeships, which are helping to develop talent in the South West.
“We are taking on enthusiastic and motivated apprentices, at all levels, across the university, on all our campuses.
“The University of Exeter apprenticeship strategy boosts workforce capability by developing talent from a variety of entry routes, and enhancing skills of our existing staff.”
Mr Cresswell added: “The introduction of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships provides a new opportunity for new and existing staff to enhance existing skills, and develop new knowledge.”
“As an approved training provider, the university is developing a portfolio of Degree Apprenticeships delivered through flexible guided learning, including online, work-based and block release.”
The university’s involvement in National Apprenticeship Week:
- Monday: Apprenticeships Live broadcast – a free online event broadcast to schools, offering an engaging and interactive experience for potential apprentices, students and staff.
- Tuesday: Mission Escape – ten apprentices will try to solve various puzzles to escape from the rooms within a time limit.
- Wednesday: Apprenticeship Games – teams from the South West’s leading apprenticeship employers will compete to be crowned “apprentice team of the year”.
- Thursday: The Big Assembly – a live video stream to thousands across the UK wanting to find out more about apprenticeships and career options. Also on Thursday is Exeter College’s Apprenticeship Expo – the largest free apprenticeship careers expo in the South West, with more than 60 local and regional employers.
National Apprenticeship Week is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and traineeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Case studies
Amber Bassett: Academic Support Administrator (Business School)
“I am really enjoying working at the university. My team are incredibly supportive and very understanding with workload. As an apprentice you tend to get given little jobs from everyone in the team which sometimes means you can get a little overwhelmed but my colleagues are so great because they always remind me that I am more than welcome to pass jobs back or shout if I don’t have time. The university gives you lots of opportunities for further staff training and development.”
Maddy Geen: Executive Support Apprentice
“I feel extremely supported by my line manager and the rest of the Executive Support Team. I can ask them anything and everything – no matter how small or large the question is. Near the start of my apprenticeship, when I had very limited experience, my line manager was an excellent mentor and suggested to me the most efficient ways of working, which is always helpful. As the months go on, the more comfortable you are in the role, you get to a point where you are able to help guide/mentor other new colleagues. I always find this quite rewarding and confidence boosting.”
Date: 1 March 2018