Sandwell Council has started more than 750 people on apprenticeships since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme in 2017.
This milestone being reached coincides with National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February).
Of this impressive figure, more than 400 were new entrants to the council, including more than 35 who have started since April 2020.
Sandwell Council will mark National Apprenticeship Week with several online activities and events.
These include an introduction to the council’s employment and skills team, a guide to the council’s apprenticeship programme, interviews with current apprentices and a workshop aimed at those looking to find an apprenticeship in the construction industry.
Visit the Employment Events webpage for details of the events and follow @SandwellJobs and @ThinkSandwell on Twitter.
As well as YouTube videos and social media activities, there are two live Microsoft Team events where people can ask questions via a chat to help get more information.
- Friday 12 February, 11.30am – Construction Apprenticeships – Hints and Tips: Join advisors from the Think Sandwell team to find out what support is available to get an apprenticeship in the construction industry.
Councillor Rajbir Singh, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for skills and employment, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to earn a wage while gaining a nationally-recognised qualification. It’s encouraging to see that recruitment to apprenticeships is continuing with vacancies available both with the council and local businesses.
“An apprenticeship can open the door to a career for any one of any age, whether starting out in the world of work, looking to re-enter the workforce or to retrain and start a new career.”
Deputy council leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “It’s fantastic that the council has helped more than 750 people onto apprenticeships. I would encourage anyone interested in apprenticeship to check out our online events for National Apprenticeship Week to see what support and opportunities are available.”
Go to the Think Sandwell webpage and council’ Apprenticeships webpage for details of current apprenticeship vacancies with Sandwell Council, Sandwell schools and local employers, plus the support available to get into employment.
