To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week this year (5-11 February 2024), Leicester College is inviting students and potential apprentices to an Apprenticeship Fair on 7 February from 10am to 5pm at the Freemen’s Park Campus.

Leicester College currently has over 1,150 students employed with around 1,070 local businesses in apprentice roles, making it the largest apprenticeship training delivery organisation in Leicester. Around 80 per cent of Leicester College apprentices have progressed on to a full-time role with 60 per cent progressing into a management position.

Nylacast, the engineered polymer specialist, is one of the employers attending the Apprenticeship Fair. The company has partnered with Leicester College for several years to help students kick-start a career in engineering.

Jack Wilson is training at Nylacast’s academy and is also an ambassador for the apprenticeship scheme. He said: “Nylacast’s apprenticeship programme has a range of training courses; students can choose from maintenance engineering, business administration apprenticeships, team leader apprenticeships and more.

“I’d definitely recommend apprenticeships to anyone who doesn’t like the idea of school or higher education. They’re so hands on and you get work experience at the same time.”

Ian Mallabone, Group HR and Training Manager at Nylacast, added: “Our training academy has been vital to us as a business as the engineering sector has struggled with engineering apprentices in the last two decades. We recognised that quite early on and started to bring in apprentices about 14 years ago. We now have a dedicated space where we can take apprentices through a four-year programme in just one area of the business and it’s absolutely vital to us as the engineering market becomes even more competitive.”

Rachel Hall, Director of Apprenticeships and Commercial at Leicester College said: “Leicester College is excited to join the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 5-11 February. This annual event highlights the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future workforce and fostering economic growth.

“During National Apprenticeship Week, Leicester College will showcase its commitment to nurturing talent, bridging the skills gap, and empowering individuals to build successful careers. Throughout the week, Leicester College will be hosting a series of events and information sessions to promote the benefits of apprenticeship programmes as a direct pathway to meaningful employment.

“By participating in National Apprenticeship Week, we aim to inspire the next generation of skilled workers and create an awareness about the opportunities available within our organisation and broader industry.”

Apprenticeship courses give students a chance to gain experience in their chosen career by splitting study between college classes and being in the workplace, where they are paid an apprenticeship wage, plus the national minimum wage. All apprenticeships involve 80 per cent of the student’s time at the workplace and a range of study formats including day release and block release to attend college, and study time away from their day-to-day role within the workplace.