Lewisham College celebrated National Apprenticeship Week with a series of events and workshops to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy and spread the word on how this nationally recognised qualification can help build a skilled workforce.
NCG Skills Competition
As part of the week's celebrations, Lewisham College participated in the second NCG Skills competition, which saw apprentices and construction learners putting their knowledge and skills to the test across various disciplines, including Plumbing, Bricklaying, Painting and Decorating.
Employers from the construction sector sponsored the competition and will judge the entries. The competition winners will be announced next week, who will have the opportunity to apply to participate in World Skills UK and compete against apprentices from across the UK.
Skills for Success
Learners attended a Skills for Success event at Lewisham Way campus delivered by various organisations and employers, including the Construction Youth Trust Careers Hub, Balfour Beatty, Concert and CITB.
During the session, learners had an opportunity to hear from current and former apprentices about a range of topics, including the apprenticeship application process, employability skills, training opportunities, networking tips and careers prospects.
Industry talks
Employers and former apprentices from the construction sector visited Lewisham College's specialist academy at Deptford Bridge throughout the week.
Guest speakers from Watkins Jones, JBT Joe Brennan Training, Lee Marley Brickwork and Suave Property Care shared their experience working with apprenticeships and spoke about the different training opportunities available in the sector. The employers also held a Q&A session and networked with apprentices and learners.
Series of online apprenticeships events
During the week, learners also had the opportunity to attend a series of online events delivered by Bloomberg, Zurich, Lewisham Council, IBM, Ford Motor Company, and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board. The talks focused on careers and apprenticeship opportunities available in various sectors, including Construction and Engineering, Business, ICT and Performing Arts.
Claire Reed, Head of Skills and Apprenticeships at Lewisham College, said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent option for young people and adults to gain the skills, training, and work experience they need to get ahead in their chosen sector.
“It's been great to see our apprentices and learners engaging with various organisations, employers and apprentices and participating in the NCG Skills competition during National Apprenticeship Week. The events hosted by Lewisham College have been a fantastic opportunity for our learners to engage with employers and find out more about opportunities available in a range of sectors and how an apprenticeship can help them take their next step in their career."
Apprenticeships are a practical, nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices can study while earning a wage and receive hands-on training with an employer, gain valuable experience and the opportunity to network within the industry. To find out how to become an apprentice and our range of apprenticeships, visit lewisham.ac.uk/apprenticeships
Lewisham College works closely with businesses to enable employers to recruit apprentices and support the training of their staff. For information on our services for employers, visit lewisham.ac.uk/employers
