Following on from the success of last year’s event, Bristol South MP Karin Smyth has joined forces with City of Bristol College for another apprenticeships and jobs fair.
Taking place from 12 noon – 5.30pm on Thursday 8 March, the event will involve local businesses and organisations with job and apprenticeship opportunities.
Hundreds of young job seekers from across South Bristol and beyond are expected to attend the fair, which takes place at the South Bristol Skills Academy in Hengrove. It will feature a wide range of employers from a number of industries – including Kier Construction, Bristol Airport, Greene King, Marriott Hotels and Bristol Water among others.
The fair is part of Karin’s drive to improve job opportunities for people in south Bristol.
“Improving prospects for young people living in my constituency is one of my key priorities,” said Karin. “Quality apprenticeships mean you can earn while learn. They can open up new opportunities.”
Not only will young people be able to talk to potential employers about the opportunities available, but businesses will also be able to find out more about how apprenticeships could benefit them.
Apprenticeships are available to people aged 16 or older with a minimum of 5 GCSEs and combine paid work with training, typically lasting between one and five years. They offer a minimum apprenticeship wage of £3.70 an hour to under 19s and National Minimum Wage to over 20s (between £5.90 and £7.83 depending on age).
The 2017 fair was the first of its kind with around 30 exhibitors and over 400 young people, many of whom went on to undertake apprenticeships.
“My apprenticeship gave me the inspiration I need to thrive for a great career,” says young apprentice Casey Abrams from City of Bristol College. “I feel motivated to train to become a business administration assessor so that I can help others achieve their goals and aspirations, just like I did.”
Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive for City of Bristol College, added: “We’ve seen many students benefit from apprenticeships, and we’re keen to support more young people in finding the right apprenticeship for them. Working with employers, we actively continue developing our apprenticeship offer to grow young talent in order to address local skills shortages.
“We’re delighted to be working with Karin on delivery of this event again and we’ll be on hand to offer help and advice on the day.”
Karin, who speaks regularly in Parliament about the need for quality apprenticeships, said: “It was great to see so many people at last year’s event, and I look forward to welcoming even more young people this year.”
The Bristol South Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair is once again being run in association with official media partners the Bristol Post. It coincides with International Women’s Day and there will be information on apprenticeships for young women.
The fair is free to attend with a limited number of free stands on offer for local businesses.
For more information or to book your stall, see: www.karinsmyth.com/apprenticeshipsfair2018
