GM employers recognise work of apprentices

Employers and leaders across Greater Manchester are showcasing the work of apprentices in the city-region as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021.

Apprentices across Greater Manchester are being celebrated through a number of online events between 8th and 14th February. There are currently 40,000 people working on an apprenticeship in Greater Manchester, and it is planned that 2021 will see a further 20,000 such posts created locally.

Apprentices have told how their placements have helped open up further career opportunities, while employers have said offering apprenticeships invests in the future and growth of their organisations.

Jenny Byrne, 20, graduated with a distinction in her digital marketing apprenticeship at The Juice Academy with Stockport based digital agency, Platform81. She said:

My apprenticeship with The Juice Academy allowed me to successfully learn the knowledge and insights I needed at the start of my career in a digital industry, taking guidance from experts with years of experience.

“It allowed me to see the possibilities within my role and the industry itself, and what I could aspire to do moving forward into my career. Not only did my apprenticeship allow me to get my foot in the door and succeed in a busy, upcoming industry, it helped me make connections with others at the same level as me who were going through the same experience and learning, many of who I’m still friends with today.”

Amanda Childs, Digital Account Director at the agency, and Jenny’s line manager, said:

Recruiting Jenny as an apprentice and investing in her continued growth has been a great journey for Platform81 to be on with her. She shows maturity, confidence, and work ethic well beyond her years, and is now seen as an integral part of the team whom we can all rely on for support.”

Some of the activities and events taking place in the week include:

• Build the Future of GM Panel 10^th February – A virtual panel will discuss how employers and apprentices are contributing to the future of Greater Manchester
• Meet Your Future 8^th-12^th February – A range of talks from employers such as AstraZeneca, RAF, William Hare and Vizion Network taking place throughout week
• Apprenticeships and the Workplace with Brother UK 12^th February – Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network will be speaking with an apprentice and employer from Brother UK

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

I am proud to be celebrating another year of National Apprenticeships Week and encourage parents, carers, teachers and young people to sign up to the upcoming events.

“I believe the pandemic should not prevent anybody from working in the industry of their choice and that everybody growing up, living or working in Greater Manchester should have the same opportunities. Apprentices also play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in our city-region.

“I encourage those interested in finding out more about apprenticeships to visit the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship & Careers Service (GMACS) which launched last year. The website contains guidance to help people plan, search and apply for future job opportunities. Advice on keeping well and staying connected digitally during the pandemic can also be found here in order to help people progress.”

Registration for this year’s online events can be completed via the GM Apprenticeship and Careers Service website.