Young people and parents are being urged to attend the biggest free apprenticeships event to be held in Brighton and Hove.
The event next week could even save teenagers about £30,000 if they opt for an apprenticeship over a degree.
Brighton and Hove City Council said: “There are amazing things happening in the world of apprenticeships – and if you are making education and career choices you can find out more at Brighton and Hove’s biggest ever free apprenticeship event on Tuesday 4 July from 4pm to 7pm at Hove Town Hall.
“Apprenticeships in 2017 are very different from those of the past. Today employers are in the driving seat and there are more than 1,500 types of job in 170 industries covered by apprenticeships.
“More than 80 per cent of young people turn to their family for advice about post-16 options and 43 per cent are undecided about whether higher education is the right choice for them.
“Did you know that you can now do apprenticeships up to degree level?
“Degree and higher level apprenticeships are a new way of developing skills and careers that can save around £30,000 compared to students on standard degree courses, as well as earning while learning.”
Jake Howard, who is doing a degree level apprenticeship with DapApps, said: “When I finish my degree I will have not only a degree … I will also have five years of experience which, at the age of 23, you won’t find unless you’ve done an apprenticeship.”
The council said that the Hove Town Hall event was dedicated to helping students, parents and carers bust some commonly held myths about apprenticeships. It is due to feature
- The Universities of Brighton and Chichester discussing their current and future higher and degree level apprenticeships
- Current apprentices giving a hands-on view of what it’s like to be an apprentice in 2017
- Large local employers including Brighton and Hove City Council and the local NHS sharing opportunities and information about career progression routes in the area
- Local colleges and training providers including Brighton Metropolitan College talking about their apprenticeship opportunities
- Employer representatives discussing apprenticeship opportunities in digital, energy, finance, education, engineering and many more career paths
Councillor Dan Chapman, who chairs the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “It’s a very exciting time for apprenticeships at the moment.
“The launch of degree apprenticeships has provided a number of progression routes which didn’t exist two years ago.
“And the range of higher and degree apprenticeship standards on offer will continue to increase over the next few years.”
To book a free place or find out more, visit bit.ly/apprenticeships_mythbusting or just go along on the day.