Wakefield College launches new apprenticeship drop-in centre

Shoppers hitting the high street could bag themselves an apprenticeship at a new drop-in centre.
Dan Conboy, Sam Wright, Coun Box, Joanne Roney and Mike Denby (skills and service manager) cut the ribbon.Dan Conboy, Sam Wright, Coun Box, Joanne Roney and Mike Denby (skills and service manager) cut the ribbon.
Dan Conboy, Sam Wright, Coun Box, Joanne Roney and Mike Denby (skills and service manager) cut the ribbon.

Wakefield College, with Wakefield Council, has launched a one-stop shop where people can go to find out about apprenticeships and get help with CV writing.

Visitors will also be able to access current apprenticeship vacancies across the district and apply for any jobs currently on offer.

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College principal Sam Wright said: “Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular way for people of all ages and abilities to get work experience, earn a wage and gain a recognised qualification all at the same time.

“Apprenticeships not only benefit individual learners but also help the local economy by helping fill the skills gap.

“We’re delighted to be working with the council on this joint initiative and look forward to helping more people start an apprenticeship.”

Coun Peter Box, leader of Wakefield Council, added: “I am very proud of our role in supporting apprenticeships. I hope this new venture with Wakefield College will encourage even more young people to consider taking this route.

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“Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will help them build their future careers.”

There has been a 12 per cent increase in people taking up apprenticeship schemes in the district in the last year, with 3,700 people now signed up to them.

Dan Conboy, chairman of Cognitiv, a group which promote’s Wakefield creative, digital and IT sectors, came up with the idea for the shop so budding apprentices could access all the information they needed in one place.

He said: “We are big supporters of apprenticeships, and I think that expanding Wakefield College’s promotion of apprenticeship opportunities is great for both Wakefield’s young people and businesses across the district.”

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The apprentice shop was launched by Coun Box, Ms Wright, Mr Conboy and Wakefield Council’s chief executive Joanne Roney earlier this week. It is located in the Market Hall on Union Street, in Wakefield City Centre, and is open from 10am until 3pm Monday to Friday.

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