National Apprenticeship Week 2019

As National Apprenticeship Week 2019 fast approaches (4-8 March), the College is getting ready to showcase why it is a leader in the field of vocational training. 

Named BTEC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in 2018, we are pulling out all the stops and hosting an action-packed range of events and activities to educate new employers and the wider community about the benefits of apprenticeships:

• Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair 2019: Leeds College of Building will be attending the annual Fair at the first direct arena, the largest event of its kind in the north of England giving those interested in apprenticeships along with their parents and carers an unrivalled opportunity to meet and speak to some of the UK’s biggest employers and trainers(Monday 4 March, 4-8pm).
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)Launch Event: The College’s Hunslet Campus is holding the launch event for the first ever ICE academic partnership agreement with a further education college (usually reserved for higher education institutions). Six ICE ‘QUEST Scholarships’ will be awarded to top students at Leeds College of Building and Leeds Beckett University (Tuesday 5 March)
• Digital Construction Workshop: This unique workshop is a morning of civil engineering, critical thinking, surveying, and exploring digital VR technology in construction. These sessions run in conjunction with BAM Nuttall, the market-leading civil engineering contractor, are aimed at school leavers. Booking essential (Tuesday 5March, 9.30am – 12.30pm)
• Apprenticeship Open Event: The North Street Campus will be open for a special Apprenticeship event showcasing the College in action. This is an opportunity to meet the teams, tour workshops, speak to students, and learn more about the programmes and facilities on offer (Thursday 7March, 5-7pm)
• International Women’s Day Taster Sessions: As the week also marks this national awareness day, Leeds College of Building will be offering FREE taster sessions to any females over 16 who are interested in learning DIY skills or those who are thinking about a career or Apprenticeship in construction. Throughout the week and at various sites, participants can have a go at plumbing, brickwork, painting & decorating and much more (Monday 4 – Friday 8 March)

This year is the 12^th annual National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service. It coincides with National Careers Week and International Women’s Day on the Friday.  The theme for #NAW2019 is ‘Blaze A Trail’, highlighting how viable apprenticeships are as an alternative to going to university. Employers and apprentices from across the country will come together to encourage more young people to choose an apprenticeship.

Keith Smith, Apprenticeships Director, Education and Skills Funding Agency said:
“I want the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week to be the biggest and most successful yet. The theme for this year: Blaze a Trail is at the heart of what apprenticeships are all about.  I really hope our partners feel as excited about it as we do, and, like previous years, they will get fully behind the week.”

Vicky Patterson, Curriculum Manager for Technical and Professional Apprenticeships at Leeds College of Building, said:
“Being chosen by ICE for the first ever UK college academic partnership agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff at Leeds College of Building. We continually try to go above and beyond our normal duties to enhance the Apprentice’s experiences and ensure that we produce the most creative and brilliant young Technicians and Engineers of the future. We can’t wait to show why we’re the best at what we do!”

For more details about all the events taking place at Leeds College of Building for National Apprenticeship Week 2019, visit: see our events listing page.