Sixth form pupils from across Liverpool are being encouraged to consider apprenticeships rather than university.
On Wednesday 11 March up to a dozen young people from each secondary school in the city will get the chance to put their questions direct to six major organisations that offer apprenticeships ranging from law and engineering through to horticulture.
The event at Liverpool Town Hall has been organised by the council’s employment arm Liverpool in Work in conjunction with Liverpool Association of Secondary Heads (LASH), the National Apprenticeship Service and Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub.
Representatives from Weightmans Solicitors, Scottish Power, the University of Liverpool, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, Glendale Liverpool and Merseyside Police will explain what it is like to be an apprentice, the opportunities that are offered and why they are important to their business.
The aim is to drive up the number of young people taking advanced (equivalent to A level) and higher apprenticeships (equivalent to a foundation degree) as the city lags behind the national average. Around one in four apprenticeships in Liverpool are advanced, compared to a third nationally.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “This is a groundbreaking event as for the first time we’re working with Liverpool secondary schools to showcase higher and advanced apprenticeships.
“Many young people I meet are making a positive choice not to go to university because they want to earn while they learn.
“Higher and advanced apprenticeships are a great alternative to university as they allow young people to work alongside a qualification while not getting into debt.
“We’ve got some of the city’s best employers attending to showcase some of the opportunities they offer.”
As well as being able to take part in seminars, the young people will also hear from Bethany West, who secured a permanent position at Florrie Tots in Dingle after studying for an advanced apprenticeship in childcare.
Sally Beevers, Chair of LASH, said: “”It is essential that our young people are able to make informed choices about their future.
“This event is a major step forward in raising awareness about the full range of options that are available and which provide positive alternatives to A-levels and university and secure equally beneficial outcomes.”
