Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet members have been encouraging residents to look into what apprenticeships can offer during National Apprentice Week.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: “Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers – there are a great way for people to change their career path or learn a new skill.

“Here in Worcestershire, we’re really proud of apprenticeships and we, as a county, have a lot of success stories, people who have studied hard for the qualification, enjoyed new experiences and gone on to achieve great things.”

The cabinet have been wearing the Worcester Apprenticeship’s ‘Proud to Support Apprenticeships’ Badges and have even been joining in the ‘Selfie Campaign’.

There are over 240 types of apprenticeship to get involved with nationally, offering a host of opportunities for people.

10,000 people in Worcestershire have engaged in apprenticeships in the last year alone.

Apprenticeships schemes are operated using a mix of on and off the job development, allowing apprentices to put their learning into effect immediately.

A new ‘Apprenticeship Strategy’ is being launched internally at County Hall to both Council and Worcestershire Children First staff to make sure apprenticeship opportunities within local government will benefit everyone.

The apprenticeships are across a range of levels from level 2 up to level 7 (GCSE to masters level), providing plenty of opportunity to expand peoples’ skills and knowledge.

For information on apprenticeships in Worcestershire visit: www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk.