Over 1,000 people had the chance to network with employers at the Bath College Futures Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair last Wednesday at The Assembly Rooms.
There were 86 stands of prospective employers at the fair, which was attended by schools, young people, parents and members of the public.
The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Ian Gilchrist, visited the event and spoke to College staff, local businesses and successful apprentices.
Event sponsors Wessex Inspiration Network (WIN), The Bath Building Society, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Hotel Indigo, Skills West, Dimensions and Gradwell all had stands at the fair and were interacting with potential apprentices in the Octagon.
There were careers advisors from Bath College Futures team on hand to help with applications and CV’s and give advice on interviews.
Event organiser Lucy Beattie said: “The fair keeps growing year on year and we have lots of new employers joining us.
“This year we had companies offering some really exciting apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 right up to degree level.
“These include a customer service apprenticeship with The Bath Building Society, a healthcare apprenticeship with Dimensions and new opportunities with Hotel Indigo.”
A number of students went on to secure positions at local companies after the 2017 fair including Curo, Rotork, Wessex Water and Combe Grove Manor Hotel.
Ben King, a Bath College student and apprentice at Bath Building Society, said: “For me, an apprenticeship is better than going into a job from uni as I’m building my skillset now while I’m at College.
“I’m in a business environment, answering phones, working in an office, learning the skills on the job.”
Katherine Banks at Bath Building Society explained the importance of apprentices. She said: “We really like to help people to grow. As they’re younger, we can develop their skills and mould them into what’s required.”
Wessex Water have four apprentices working for them, including Kuani Blow, who was studying Business at Bath College. “I found hands on learning a beneficial approach for me, and I love doing the business apprenticeship at Wessex Water,” he added.
