People of all ages in the City of Wolverhampton are being encouraged to find out more about apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week (February 6-12).

This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’ with the aim to help apprentices develop career pathways and secure permanent positions.

A Skills, Jobs & Careers Drop-in event on the ground floor of the Civic Centre (WV1 1SH) on Thursday, February 9, between 1pm and 4pm, will offer people of all ages the opportunity to speak to employers and training providers about jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities available now.

The Council’s Organisational Development and Apprenticeships team will also be on the ground floor of the Civic Centre on Tuesday, February 7 and Wednesday 8, between 10am and 4pm on both days, to offer guidance and support to Wolverhampton residents looking to apply for work experience or apprenticeship opportunities.  

There are hundreds of types of apprenticeships on offer at different levels 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).

The Council supports apprenticeship programmes and works with city partners, like Wolverhampton Homes, to develop apprenticeship opportunities.

During 2022 the council recruited 48 new apprentices across various council service areas including licensing, pensions, customer services, print services, legal, regeneration, business support, education and finance.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: "National Apprenticeship Week is the ideal time to recognise the many benefits that apprenticeships bring to individual people, employers and our city’s economy.

“Apprenticeships can offer an excellent route into employment and this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme of ‘Skills for Life’ fits well with the council’s push to recruit new apprentices and plan career pathways for the next generation.

“We are determined to give people in our city the best chances we can, whether this is through apprenticeships, helping them into employment or supporting them to improve skills and gain qualifications.

“There is also help available through our city colleges, university, employment services and through our dedicated Workbox website which offers free, one-to-one employment support and advice for local people.”

Dannielle Hawkins, aged 27, digital content apprentice working within the council’s Investment team, said: “After graduating I worked in an administration role but wanted a change of direction. An apprenticeship seemed to be the best option for me as it would allow me to gain new skills and get paid at the same time.

“My job at the council involves meeting and talking to local businesses and other organisations, which although can be nerve wracking, has got me out of my comfort zone and is helping me to develop my confidence as well expand my knowledge.”

Shaun Aldis, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes, said: “We are always looking for great people to join us, and as one of the largest employers in the city, we strive to support the City of Wolverhampton Council in developing local talent - it is central to our mission of helping people get on in life.

“We have colleagues within WH who joined us on apprenticeships many years ago who have gone on to have rewarding and fulfilling careers and we’ve gained some real talent through our apprentice programmes.

“Each apprentice is paired with an experienced mentor who supports them and monitors their progress, helping them to put their formal learning into practice, but we also want to hear from them – sharing their ideas for enhancing what we do.

“We’re committed to driving growth and innovation through our apprenticeship programme and delivering great outcomes for our customers.”

For details of available apprenticeships, and other work and training opportunities in the city, visit www.wolvesworkbox.com, call Wolves At Work on 01902 554400 or email wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Image caption (L-R): City of Wolverhampton Council apprentices Emily Castle and Dannielle Hawkins with Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, and Wolverhampton Homes apprentices Joseph Lockley and Ravel Wallace.