Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham Deptford, will visit Lewisham College as guest of honour at its apprenticeships and careers fair on Monday 4 March. Marking the beginning of the 12th National Apprenticeships Week, the fair will kick-off five days of activities across both Lewisham College and its sister institution Southwark College.

The apprenticeships and careers fair will welcome students, local employers and Lewisham residents interested in finding out more about apprenticeships. A keen advocate for young people in her boroughs, Vicky will open the event and talk to students and staff about the opportunities that apprenticeships can offer. Visitors will then get the chance to browse a marketplace of stands hosted by businesses, and chat to current apprentices and employers.

Other events planned during Apprenticeships Week include open events at Lewisham College on Tuesday 5 March (4-6pm) and at Southwark College on Thursday 7 March (4-6pm). [Southwark] College will also stage an apprenticeship awards evening on 7 March, which will celebrate some fantastic success stories, and both Colleges will hold informal drop-in sessions where students can find out more about apprenticeships.

Lewisham and Southwark Colleges offer a wide range of apprenticeships in hospitality and support services, creative industries, and business and construction, and are among the highest quality apprenticeship providers in South London. Prior to being separated into two Colleges, Lewisham Southwark College’s achievement rate was 8.5% above the national average, according to the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency, in 2015-16.

Vicky Foxcroft, MP, says: “I’m delighted to be able to launch this week of events at Lewisham College. Apprenticeships are a fantastic option both for young people and for adults who may not currently be working, and we are excited to show visitors the many different career paths which an apprenticeship can open.”