City residents looking to kickstart their career, or start a new chapter, can get involved in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16).

The theme is Skills for Life, helping apprentices forge career pathways and secure permanent jobs.

City of Wolverhampton Council is hosting a drop-in event at The Mander Centre on Saturday February 15 as part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2025.

Those interested in learning how to ‘earn while you learn’ can turn up to the event between 10am and 2pm. It is on the ground floor, near TJ Hughes and is being held in partnership with Wolverhampton Black Country Careers HUB.

Register in advance here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1142967389229?aff=oddtdtcreator

and you could win one of four £25 Enjoy Wolverhampton gift cards.

Since January last year the council has recruited another 32 apprentices, alongside upskilling staff and supporting city partners to develop apprenticeships.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the benefits of apprenticeships in putting local people into good jobs and training, which in turn helps to deliver a thriving economy in the city.

“Apprenticeships can change lives, helping people find employment, improve their skills and gain qualifications, while providing valuable alternative recruitment options for employers.

"I encourage anyone with an interest in apprenticeships to come and get involved in the event at the Mander Centre and find out more about how you can earn while you learn."

Council apprentice Jude Aston recently gained a distinction in his Public Relations and Communications Level 4 Public Health Apprenticeship.

He said: “I was nervous about how I was going to apply all my learning, but the best piece of advice I would give is trust the apprenticeship process, because it has worked and is a great way to develop your knowledge and skills.”

Former library assistant Lucy Barford had a career change to become a Level 7 Solicitor Apprentice through Damar Training and the council and has been named the Damar Apprentice Champion Award.

She said: “Changing careers to start an apprenticeship in law changed my life and opened possibilities I hadn’t previously considered.

“My first apprenticeship was to become a certified paralegal, and I’m now working through a second apprenticeship training to be a solicitor. I’m proud and grateful to Damar and the council for such wonderful opportunities.”

Esha Dadral, Level 3 Digital Content Apprentice, said: “I always wanted to kickstart my career in marketing, so when this opportunity came up it was a no brainer for me. In my opinion, an apprenticeship is the best way to gain the essential skills and knowledge for the career of your choice.”

There are many types of apprenticeships on offer with employers in Wolverhampton. The different levels of qualification are Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship (GCSE equivalent), Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship (A-Level equivalent), Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprenticeship (Foundation degree and above equivalent) and Level 6 or 7 Degree Apprenticeship (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree equivalent).

Help is available through www.wolvesworkbox.com which offers free, one-to-one employment support and advice for local people. If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeship opportunities at the City of Wolverhampton Council email OD.Team@wolverhampton.gov.uk