Apprenticeship show hailed success

The Apprenticeship Show, organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, hosted more than 70 businesses and groups, offering opportunities to youngsters across the region.

Some of those present were among the biggest names in business and engineering with Caterpillar, Jaguar Land Rover, Muller and and Stadco among those looking for recruits.

Invitations to the event, which took place at Telford's International Centre, had been sent out to every year 10 and 11 pupil in Telford & Wrekin and Councillor Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for education and skills said they were thrilled at the way the day had gone.

She said: "I am delighted with the Apprenticeship Show which was our most successful show Apprenticeship Show to date.

"There were many excellent opportunities available for young people, which shows how vibrant our borough is providing an excellent pathway of training and apprenticeships."

Councillor Reynolds said that the response from people and businesses who had attended the day had been overwhelmingly positive.

Businesses had also told the cabinet member that they had been impressed with the calibre of prospective apprentices visiting the show.

She said: "The initial feedback from 333 delegates was very positive. 86 per cent of delegates were either satisfied or very satisfied with the show which is our best rate to date. Every year we take note of any comments on the feedback and try to improve on each year.

"Feedback from businesses appears to be excellent too, with many commenting on the good quality of the people visiting their stands, they would certainly be recruiting from the people they had seen and that they had enjoyed presenting their business to the wide variety of people that attended.

"Business commented on the very worthwhile conversations that were taking place later in the afternoon when individuals and parents came in."

Councillor Reynolds said that their records indicated that the event had been the most well attended yet.

She said: "Initial figures also look like 3700 plus in attendance so this is again more than last year which was about 3500. What we did have was a lot of parents and individuals visiting in the evening after work and school there was double the amount of advanced booking for this group and a great deal more just turned up on the day."