SHAPING YOUR FUTURE
Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life. If that thought fills you with dread, Matthew Parkinson explains how the Lancashire Apprenticeship Expo can help you do something about it
A recent poll found that only 15 per cent of the world’s full-time workers find their job engaging, and since most of us will likely be working well into our 60s, nobody wants to deal with the drudgery of a job they don’t enjoy. So, what are your options if you’re ready to break from the monotony of the status quo?
Most people would suggest going to University, it’s a tried and tested formula. Generally comprised of three years of study, a degree will allow graduates to embark upon multiple career paths, but what if there was an alternative?
Better yet, what if there was an alternative where you might find yourself being paid to learn, rather than the other way round?
Here’s where the Lancashire Apprenticeship Expo comes in. From 12pm to 7pm on Tuesday 13th March, Preston Guild Hall will throw open its doors to visitors young and old looking for new opportunities, whether you’re just getting started or looking for a career change.
The Lancashire Apprenticeship Expo is seeking to change the way we look at apprenticeships, ditching the much-maligned days of workplace pranks and menial tasks to fetch ‘buckets of steam’ in favour of paid, on-the-job training whilst simultaneously gaining up to degree-equivalent qualifications.
Now in its second year, the event promises to build on an incredibly successful first outing which attracted over 2000 visitors. More than 50 of Lancashire’s top employers have committed to attending including emergency services, BAE Systems, Leyland Trucks and Forbes Solicitors. This will give budding apprentices the rare chance to speak face-to-face with prospective employers about potential vacancies available.
If you’re a student or parent concerned about apprenticeships as a feasible, long-term alternative to a traditional degree, consider this: On average, young people who started out in apprenticeships earned over £100,000 more over the course of their careers as opposed to those who gained degrees.
The chance to earn while you learn couldn’t be more tempting for school and college leavers, but what about adult applicants? Last April, government reforms meant that employers would receive extra incentives for providing apprenticeships. As a result, many employers are looking to upskill their existing workforce using apprenticeship training, giving staff the opportunity to upskill or even gain a promotion. An apprenticeship is also a great option if you’re looking for a career change or get back into employment.
If you’re still unsure about whether an apprenticeship is for you, the best way to find out is to go along and see for yourself. If it’s not what you’re looking for, alternative help and advice is on offer from Preston’s College who will be on hand with a wealth of information about adult courses and guidance on career opportunities.
Whilst very few of us will know exactly which path we’d like to take in our working life, the Lancashire Apprenticeship Expo offers up opportunities that could be life-changing for a broad spectrum of people. If you’re reading the words printed on this page and wondering if that includes you, then you’ve nothing to lose by going along and finding out what’s on offer at Preston Guild Hall on Tuesday 13th March, anytime between 12pm to 7pm.
For more information on showcasing your business at the upcoming Expo, please contact Shout Network on 01772 642830 or email: ian@shoutnetwork.co.uk
To register for this free event and find out more about the employers and opportunities on offer please visit: www.appexpo.co.uk
