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It’s ‘All About Apprenticeships’
Wednesday, 06 July 2011 13:00
Ashford International Hotel played host to the ‘All About Apprenticeships’ event on Monday 4th July. Over 300 students from schools around Kent attended the event, organised by The Kent Apprenticeship Team and KATO (The Kent Association of Training Organisation).
The day consisted of morning and afternoon sessions, in which school students and those young people who are not in education, employment or training, were invited to view and participate in interactive demonstrations, talks to representatives from various Colleges and Apprenticeship Schemes and gain information on the opportunities available for the next academic year.
Staff from K College provided students with information on all courses and apprenticeships, as well as freebies and goody bags for them to take away. A visual demonstration of work from K College’s Motor Vehicle Department was one of the highlights of the day, as prospective apprentices flocked to the two vehicles which were on show. Nick Aldridge, Jason Woodall and Dennis Markham gave students an insight into the structure of course and allowed students to look around and sit in the vehicles.
Lindsey Jardine, from the Kent Association of Training Organisation acknowledged the impact that the interactive element of the day had on the students: “The car and motorbike have been a great success. Students can talk to a car mechanic or a lecturer which not only gives them a better idea of the qualifications they need to progress onto an apprenticeship but also allows them to be hands on and get a feel for the standard of work that is expected.”
Lindsey added that there was a need to meet with the increasing demand for apprenticeships. “This is a format we would like to try on a yearly basis. There is a change in mindset from employers, young people and their parents or guardians, who are more worried about the rise in tuition fees and potential debts. Apprenticeships allow young people train, earn and learn, without amassing huge debts
Irene Lowman, a teacher from Swan Valley Community School in Swanscombe, echoed these views and praised the way in which the event engaged the students. “The students seem so interested in the different aspects of the day and the interactive element is much more appealing rather than just being spoken to. We are trying to increase the awareness of apprenticeships where young people are offered opportunities but also treated as adults in a working environment. Some of them do far better that way than just reading out of a book.”
A huge thank you must go out to staff Barry Turner, David Hulks, Sue Thrower, Michelle McCartney and Loretta Izod who attended the event on behalf of K College.
For more information on all future Apprenticeship Events, please visit http://www.kentapprenticeship.com/ or contact the Kent Association of Training Organisations on 0800 756 6953.
