Derbyshire students learnt how apprenticeships can kick start a career

The Apprenticeship Careers Fair, held at the college during National Apprenticeship Week, brought students and employers from a range of different sectors together.

Students found out more about the type of careers they could start or develop with an apprenticeship and employers promoted the range of apprenticeships they offered in everything from business to healthcare and engineering to the armed forces.

Engineering apprentices Warren Feast and Aaron Leivers enjoyed speaking to students about the benefits of their apprenticeship with precision engineering company, Nasmyth based in Pinxton.

They also highlighted the practicalities of earning and learning.

Warren said: “For me the best way to learn is to be hands on. An apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn in real situations day in day out. Spending time at college and learning on the job gives you the best of both worlds.

“I never imagined that doing an apprenticeship would give me the knowledge and the confidence to talk to people about aerospace engineering. It’s really good to be able to speak to people about what their interests are and whether an apprenticeship would lead them on the right path.”

Chesterfield based drinks manufacturer and owners of Casa and Peak Edge Hotels, Global Brands, currently have eight apprentices and they are looking for three more apprentices in varying hospitality and business functions.

Andrea Houghton, talent acquisition and development manager said: “We offer apprenticeships from level 2 all the way up to level 6.

“Our apprentices come into a real job doing vital business functions working alongside experienced professionals. They learn how the business works and our goal is to develop and keep that talent.”

Julie Richards, principal and chief executive of the Chesterfield College Group, said:

“It is vital to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships as a route to building a successful career. I am delighted that we can play a part in helping young people establish a career.”