When Covid-19 hit, the Group has been well-placed to continue working closely with employers and keep them appraised of new government arrangements. For instance up to £3,000 can be available for those taking on an apprentice, and that offer is being extended beyond original deadline to the end of March 2021.
Julie Hoult, Head of Business Development, said:
The National Apprentice Week which started on Monday 8 February 2021 is only the beginning of a continual programme of events of activities we will be supporting to get the numbers of apprentices on the increase.
“We are going to launch our own virtual ‘Apprenticeship April’ event aimed at school and college leavers, parent, carers, schools and employers. This is being offered to all schools in our reach, and they are already responding. The idea is to make sure that young people recognise the potential of apprenticeships, how they can lead to degree-level learning and so are a real alternative to university.”
Meanwhile major employers who work with the College had their own events planned which will be supported by Julie and the team:
Weetabix, Northants planned a promotional video of their apprentices that will be sent to schools and colleges. The Bedford College Group will boost this across to social media and share.
Bedfordshire’s Millbrook Proving Ground and Lockheed Martin offered to do a virtual apprenticeship spotlight with our Full-time students.
Lockheed Martin, of Ampthill, are running an Early Careers celebration week commencing Monday 15th February which will include The Bedford College Group apprentices.
