Apprentices celebrated across Greater Manchester

GREATER Manchester Combined Authority is set to take part in National Apprenticeship Week – which this year celebrates its thirteenth anniversary.

‘Look Beyond’ is this year’s theme for the dedicated week, celebrating the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers and communities - from highlighting the breadth of industries and roles available, to the talent and energy apprentices bring into the workplace.

The week kick-starts on Monday, February 3, and will run until Sunday, February, 9 – during which time a number of special events and activities will take place across Greater Manchester.

A key event of the week will be the Public Sector Apprentices Celebration on Friday, February 7, 2020, at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s (GMFRS) Training and Development Centre in Manchester.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will open the event - which will celebrate public sector apprentices from across local authorities, NHS trusts, Greater Manchester Police, and GMFRS, giving apprentices the opportunity to come together and share their journeys and achievements of public sector apprenticeships.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “I am pleased to be supporting this year’s National Apprenticeship Week and to be joining in with celebrations. I am really proud of how far Greater Manchester has come over recent years - we truly are paving the way for future generations, preparing them for the world of work.

“I believe that everyone growing up, living or working in our city-region should have a chance to break into the industry of their choice and gain the confidence and valuable skills and experience that come with completing an apprenticeship.”

Promoting this year’s national theme ‘Look Beyond’ an apprenticeships workshop will take place on Monday, February 3, in Rochdale – with the focus on diversity and supporting young people to better understand their experience of apprenticeships and any barriers they may face.

Tuesday, February 4 will see a new and unique careers and apprenticeship service launch in Greater Manchester – providing young people with useful tools and options to help them plan for their future.

GMACS – which is short for Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers Service – will help young people build their skills, search and apply for opportunities with businesses and apprenticeships, as well as for college places and post-16 courses. All secondary schools and colleges in our city-region are being encouraged to sign up to GMACS to allow their students to benefit from the new site.

On Wednesday, February 5 an apprenticeship ambassador event is being hosted by The Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network – this will be a day of celebrating Greater Manchester Apprenticeships Ambassadors and their employers, recognising the impact they have on spreading awareness of apprenticeships across the city-region.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council and GMCA lead for Education and Skills said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent route for anyone looking to start, change or develop their career. I am really proud of how far we have come in Greater Manchester in this area – young people really do have so much opportunity and options to help them plan for their future.”

Follow activity on social media during the week @greatermcr and @GMCASkills #NAW2020

For more information about apprenticeships go to: http://www.theapprenticeshiphub.co.uk/about/become-an-apprentice/

Article Published: 03/02/2020 09:26 AM