Exceptional support from local businesses and training providers guaranteed Stokesley School’s apprenticeship information evening was a resounding success. From aviation to conservation, beautician to technician, building to filming, there was a fabulous line-up of career avenues represented by employers and colleges at the school’s bi-annual event.
The evening was open to all students, attracting many Year 10 and 11 students considering their options for further study and the world of work after their GCSEs and keen to find out about the many opportunities available to them through apprenticeship schemes. Twenty-three employers and colleges attended including Hambleton Community Action, who offer the popular ‘Wheels to Work’ scheme, loaning mopeds to help students living in rural areas travel to work.
Comments Janine Harrison-Henry, Careers Leader at Stokesley School: “I am delighted with the incredible backing the event received, appealing to companies and training providers across a range of industries, giving our students a taste of the many job roles and fields available to them. There was a real buzz throughout the evening and I would like to thank students and parents for attending and, in particular, all the supporters who gave up their valuable time to ensure the event was such a success.”
Bill Ashton-Wickett, Northern Team Apprentice Supervisor at the North Yorkshire Moors National Park was delighted to attend, accompanied by apprentices Jack Banfield and Tom Houlgate, both ex-students at Stokesley School, who are working towards their Countryside Worker qualification. Bill said: “We are looking to train the next generation of countryside workers, in particular youngsters who live in the area so they don’t move away. Our apprentices get a good start to their working life gaining qualifications in first aid, chainsaw, pesticide and strimmer training, all great transferable skills for a career in countryside management or grounds maintenance.” Apprentice Jack went on to say: “As an apprentice I get a lot of great opportunities, hands-on experience and qualifications.”
The evening showcased an introduction from Jo Thompson of Tees Valley Learning Providers Network, who presented an overview of apprenticeships of all levels. This was followed by Sean Devereux, Senior Project Leader at Labman Automation, who gave a presentation on apprentice opportunities and career prospects at Labman. Guests were then invited to visit the marketplace of employers and training providers, which included a number of apprentices who were able to talk first-hand about life as an apprentice. A carousel of workshops delivered presentations included: higher and degree level apprenticeships, the application process, Globalbridge digital CV profiling and LMI – what it is and how to use it.
Paul McGarrell, Student Recruitment at Askham Bryan College, commented: “We have always had a good relationship with Stokesley School and are more than happy to attend to promote our apprenticeship programme.”
Sally Porter, Quality and Compliance Mananger at Cyrrus, a leading international consultancy providing a range of specialist aviation support services, concluded: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to students first hand about the opportunities that we offer at Cyrrus. We are keen to encourage talented students with strong results in mathematics and science-based studies to apply for an apprenticeship in Instrument Flight Procedures design and are looking forward to receiving applications from Stokesley School.”