The Bedford College Group has led the way in the region on apprenticeships, working with 1000+ of employers across Beds, Bucks and Northants.
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.
Gina Bubbins, Director of Business Development, said:
The National Apprentice Week which starts on February 8th 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.
“During NAW 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 have their own events planned which will be supported by Gina and her team:
Weetabix, Northants are planning a promotional video of their apprentices that will be sent to schools and colleges. TBCG will boost across to SM and share.
Bedfordshire’s Millbrook Proving Ground and Lockheed Martin have both offered to do a virtual apprenticeship spotlight with our full-time students
Lockheed Martin, of Ampthill, are running an Early Careers celebration week commencing 16th Feb which will include TBCG apprentices.
