Cllr Andrew Churchill, the Conservative group Leader has marked National Apprenticeship week by discussing the opportunities apprenticeship's present.

Whilst for many people going to University seems the next best step, it's not always the case. More and more people are looking at alternative routes which can avoid student debt, provide the opportunity to earn while you learn, give you practical skills and hands-on experience. Apprenticeships are becoming an ever more popular route after schools. One of the greatest advantages is they often lead straight to a job with many companies guaranteeing one after you have completed your apprenticeship. 

Apprenticeships provide people with the opportunity to earn and learn the skills needed to start an exciting career in a wide range of industries - everything from artificial intelligence, archaeology, data science, business management and banking. They are also supporting businesses of all sizes up and down the country to future proof their workforces, helping the country and the economy to build back better.

This week the Conservative government have announced a new sector-specific traineeship in constriction and rail, giving more young people the opportunities and skills needed to get a job and progress into an apprenticeship. 

Since 2013, the successful traineeship programme has heped 120,000 young people get on the path to a fantastic career and this new sector-specific traineeship will help us build back better and give more young people the ability to succeed. 

I would encourage anyone looking at the next steps after school or even in your career to consider the apprenticeship option. Find out more at apprenticeships.gov.uk.