Basingstoke College of Technology

News and Press

Access to Apprenticeships

29 Jan 10

IF YOU have an interest in apprenticeships then BCOT is the place to be on February 24.

Following its huge success last year, BCOT will once again be hosting the Basingstoke and Deane Apprenticeship Open Evening.

This will offer all Year 10 and 11 students and their parents the chance to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in the area.

The event will follow on from activities held at BCOT to support National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 1 to 5.

Local employers and support organisations such as Connexions, Training Providers, Basingstoke ITEC and Key Training Ltd are attending the event and will be available all evening to discuss the choices available to students.

Many local employers have already confirmed their attendance. These include Vitacress, Kier Facilities Services Ltd, LG Motion, Martins Volkswagen, De La Rue, Crue's Hairdressing, Q Hotels, Sentinel Housing, Trident Electrical, HITW Technologies and the Armed Forces. There will also be several employers from the automotive trade.

The evening is expected to be very popular. In 2009, more than 350 people visited BCOT to talk to employers and training providers about apprenticeships.

Greg Jones, Operations Manager at Kier Group, said: "Kier needs apprentices in order to pass on the knowledge that our experienced engineers and designers have. This enables us to continue to expand in the construction market, while producing a high-level workforce for the future.

"An apprenticeship offers the best of both worlds - a formal qualification and college training, along with hands-on training in your chosen field. "

Dwain Wright, Apprenticeship Manager at Martins VW, is equally enthusiastic about the apprenticeship programme. He said: "Apprenticeships are key to the survival of this industry - we have to give young people opportunities to grow and learn.

"The rewards are enormous for all concerned, and the skills you learn as an apprentice will serve you throughout your working life."

The evening will start at 6pm and finish at 8.30pm and will take place on BCOT's North Site in Worting Road, Basingstoke.

If you have any enquiries or wish to book a place, please contact Hayley Monckton on 01256 306677 or e-mail hayley.monckton@bcot.ac.uk