The Bedford College Group kicked off National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 6th – 10th) with a visit to No 10 Downing Street to discuss the away ahead in skills training.
Long-standing CEO Ian Pryce CBE and Executive Director of Apprenticeships Debbie Houghton also joined a national conference on apprenticeships at the Houses of Parliament.
Later that week The Group welcomed in parents at campuses to talk to them about the values of apprenticeships.
NAW At Tresham
Tresham College played host to some of the largest employers in the region on Tuesday February 7th at the Kettering campus.
Gina Bubbins, Business Development Director, whose team liaises with 1,000s of companies across Northants, Beds and MK said: “Apprenticeships offers fantastic routes into employment for people from as young as 16, to a mature entry level. We want parents to understand that this is a quality alternative to university for the bright and able who want to start a career path.”
At the Kettering event there was an introduction by Julie Carter, Apprenticeship Recruitment Adviser followed by guest speakers:
Katie Lines, 22, from Corby who completed an apprenticeship at Weetabix after A levels. She studied Level 3 Team Leading and Level 5 Operation Management at Tresham College during lockdowns. She is now a project manager with the company.
Angela Brydon, Training and Development lead at Tata.
Debbie Houghton, Executive Director of Apprenticeships.
There were stands by:
The NHS with apprentices in non-clinical roles.
The Ball Corporation with Steph Smith Engineering Manager and Paulina Panus, HR.
Weetabix with Katie and Team.
NAW at Bedford
On Thursday February 9th at the Cauldwell Street campus of The Bedford Group, families heard about great careers via apprenticeships, without student debt.
Joining a panel to talk to parents about the fantastic opportunities was inspiring former apprentice Kathryn Jack who started as Level 2 Business Administration at the University of Bedfordshire, then progressed to Cilex law school and is now works for Hook Tangza consultancy. She is pictured with Gina Bubbins who supported her pathway.
Bedford employers represented included:
Lockheed Martin global giants.
Hazel Kaye hair and beauty of Oakley.
FCDOs (Foreign,Commonwealth & Development Office service).
BCA – major motor industry.
Axis Electronics.
There are also vacancies with The Bedford College Group which employs 700 people across the region.