The Best Apprenticeship Event yet

Leaders here at Hartlepool College, give big thanks to the area’s major local employers, and in turn, the College received some excellent praise from employers in making our BIG Apprenticeship 2022 “the best yet”.

The BIG Apprenticeship Event is held as part of National Apprenticeship Week, and attracted more employers than ever before, boasting 67 exhibitors from a wide range of sectors who took their place at this year's event. The annual Apprenticeship evening allows hundreds of prospective apprentices to receive expert information, advice, and guidance from college staff and its many employer partners.

College assistant principal Gary Riches said: “We say it every year, but it is something that literally gets better every year. The event had a record number of exhibitors and, after the pandemic lockdowns, it was brilliant to see so many employers looking to recruit apprentices. It was also excellent to see so many local, regional and international employers providing the right information, advice, and guidance to prospective apprentices.”

He added: “What is even more pleasing is to see 16 companies who were exhibiting in 2014 are still on show this year with a further eight unable to attend due to their own COVID policies. This demonstrates the strong working relationships we have with some of the region’s best employers for apprenticeships.”

Currently, we have more than 900 apprentices training with over 400 employers. Caterpillar Inc, Unipres, JDR Cables, North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, and Seymour Civil Engineering were just some of the major employers among those who attended.

Property Webmasters based in Hartlepool was one of the 67 exhibitors attending the event. Their marketing manager, Luke Fleming, said: "It was fantastic to see all of the local businesses come together in support of the Big Apprenticeship event at Hartlepool College. We were delighted to meet some ambitious individuals who are looking to kickstart their careers in digital marketing.”

Jessica Williams, the owner of Just Williams Ltd, said: "It was a truly spectacular evening. To witness so many actively engaged employers, students, and parents all coming together under your roof was really quite special. And it gives hope during a challenging time both for employers struggling to recruit and our young people looking for work."

The event was also attended by dignitaries; Hartlepool MP Jill Mortimer, Hartlepool Borough Council managing director Denise McGuckin, the council’s deputy leader, Cllr Cameron Stokell, and Tees Valley Combined Authority’s director of business and skills, Helen Kemp.

You can the Gallery of The BIG Apprenticeship 2022 (100+ photos) here >> https://www.flickr.com/photos/hartlepoolfe/albums/72177720296583230