SBU Sixth students in Engineering, Business and Health all enjoyed a busy week exploring apprenticeship opportunities just before the February half term.
On Monday (10 Feb), apprenticeship experts from London South Bank University gave sector-focused talks to students from each subject area. LSBU provides the training for thousands of apprentices each year, in dozens of job roles ranging from civil engineering to digital marketing. Students heard about how to find apprenticeship vacancies, information about pathways and salaries, tips for a successful application, and progression on apprenticeships through to master’s degree level.
On Tuesday, Engineering students visited the University’s Passmore Centre to meet representatives from construction company Overbury and its supply chain partners. The students chatted with recruiters from 15 different construction and business support companies about the wide variety of apprenticeship roles they recruit each year.
The Engineering group were out again on Wednesday, this time visiting the Construction Youth Trust at Victoria. They took part in an application masterclass, and heard about opportunities to make a CV stand out through placements and projects. Also on Wednesday, our Health students prepared for their next step with a session focusing on Nursing and Midwifery, given by lecturers at LSBU and partner employers from London NHS trusts.
A particular highlight of the week was on Thursday, with a visit from two former SBU Sixth students who are now employed as apprentices with leading global brands. Coca-Cola apprentice account manager René and Jayden, apprentice project manager with Newmark, gave talks to T-Level and BTEC students from our Business and Finance groups. As well as offering insights on life as apprentice, René and Jayden offered to mentor some of our current students over coming months.
Finally on Friday, sixth form students took part in workshops given by apprenticeship employers Business Critical Solutions and Troup Bywaters & Anders.
SBU Sixth Head of Careers Caron Bernard said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in ensuring businesses maintain and develop their skilled workforce. For many students at our Sixth Form, an apprenticeship will be a perfect opportunity to gain higher qualifications and grow their experience through paid employment. We are really grateful to over 20 employers this week who have helped open our eyes to the wide range of apprenticeship routes. It has been really great to see our students so appreciative of the support and opportunities.”
All activities were arranged as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which promotes and celebrates the work of apprentices across all sectors of the UK economy.
