Apprenticeships can be a valuable tool in growing your business. Whether you want to upskill your existing workforce or bring in new talent, apprenticeships have the ability to supercharge your business and inject it with fresh ideas, as well as improve staff retention.
In a comprehensive employer evaluation survey by the Department of Education, 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation, with 74% also reporting that apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.
Recognising the value that apprenticeships can bring to businesses, the government offers funding for apprenticeship training, enabling employers and members of the workforce to take advantage of the opportunity without additional worry.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in but you’re new to the apprenticeship scene, then you’re in luck.
This February, the West of England Institute of Technology’s specialist Apprenticeship and Technical Education Roadshow for Employers is coming to Bristol - and is set to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all things apprenticeship in the region.
On February 29, from 8am to 11.15am, employers across Bristol and the surrounding areas will have the opportunity to discover how apprenticeships can help them innovate and develop, the various routes available, and additional financial support, as well as network with like-minded companies.
And with National Apprenticeship Week 2024 just around the corner, from February 5 to 11, there’s no better time to get involved and find out more about the increasingly popular apprenticeship offering.
Who is the West of England Institute of Technology?
Licensed by the Department of Education and one of only 21 Institutes of Technology across the country, the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) supports a network of colleges across the Bristol, Bath and Somerset regions to help supercharge local businesses and sectors.
The regional IoT does this by helping employers understand the value of apprenticeships and T-Levels and how to make the most of available resources, as well as offering support for existing workforces to upskill and learn at any age.
What’s on offer at the employers' event?
On February 29, employers will be able to come face-to-face with a curated selection of key local training providers, colleges and career hubs across the region to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and benefits.
Split into two main sessions, start your day with a breakfast networking session from 8am to 9.30am. Here, you’ll be able to get a handy introduction to apprenticeships and technical education whilst connecting with fellow professionals.
Following this, there will be an information session from 10am to 11.15am, allowing employers to delve deeper into the world of apprenticeships and technical education, and interact with various apprenticeship training providers to find out more about individual offerings.
Local colleges available for one-to-one conversations on the day will include Weston College, Bath College, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), City of Bristol College and St Brendans, alongside the local careers hub.
Sessions will also include talks on a range of relevant topics from how to recruit apprentices and an introduction to T-Levels, to wider support on how to upskill your workforce.
Plus, throughout the event, employers will also be able to speak to Donna from the not-for-profit Western Training Provider Network (WTPN) for advice about apprenticeship funding and any other questions you may have.
Through all of these sessions and interactions, employees will be able to get a greater understanding of the requirements and results of apprenticeships, including not only how they can benefit individuals but also employers themselves with the nurturing of key skills such as resilience, communication and real-world experience.
There will also be opportunities for employers to share their thoughts and feedback on what the future of technical education and apprenticeships should look like, in order to better meet employer and industry needs.
Claire Arbery, director of the West of England IoT, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to bring together training providers and colleges from across the region to showcase the value the post-16 education system brings.
"Employers want to have more of a voice in the shaping of their future workforce and by working with further education, employers have a significant impact on future talent and the ability to provide positive experiences to those who may not think ‘technical’ education is for them. The support from the colleges and the training providers is truly amazing – come and find out more."
Schools careers leads event
As well as a dedicated event for employers, the West of England Institute of Technology is hosting an Apprenticeship and Technical Education Roadshow specifically for school career advisors and leaders.
Taking place from 1pm to 3.30pm on February 29, the event will be split into three main parts with two information sessions:
1pm to 1.30pm: Arrival of school career leads with refreshments and snacks on hand
2pm to 2.45pm: Information session for school career advisors, SLT and teachers - a chance to talk to various apprenticeship providers in one place and hear about new updates in technical education
2.45pm to 3.30pm: A networking session to continue the conversation, where school staff can network with peers, enjoy refreshments and foster valuable connections within the education and career guidance community
Register your place today
The West of England Institute of Technology's Apprenticeship and Technical Education Roadshow is free to attend.
With easy access from the motorway and plenty of parking available, both events will be hosted at BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, BS34 7RG on February 29, 2024.
The employer event will take place from 8am to 11.15am, and the school-focused event will be from 1pm to 3.30pm.
To find out more and register your place, visit the employers event page or the schools event page.
