College Apprenticeships Initiative to boost employment with 19 Oxfordshire businesses

The 20 apprenticeship vacancies include seven in business administration, five in customer service, three in engineering, two in IT and one each in Horticulture, Motor Vehicle and Design.They’re being promoted on behalf of five businesses in Witney, three in Chipping Norton and Abingdon, two in Wantage and Oxford, and one each in Didcot, Banbury, Kingston Bagpuize and Watlington.

They’re open to people of all ages. Anyone keen to learn more can apply via the National Apprenticeship website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Abingdon and Witney College Head of Apprenticeships, Jacqui Canton, says: “As we continue to build the range of apprenticeships we offer at the College we are delighted to be working with such a variety of different firms across Oxfordshire to promote these opportunities for people to combine work with learning.”

More than 100 people have already started apprenticeships at the College through the initiative this year. One is 21-year-old Josh Wright who is a Business Administration Apprentice with Scion Technical Services in Didcot: Josh (pictured with Alison Oakes at Scion Technical Services) says: “The apprenticeship has been brilliant in terms of learning. I’m still learning every day, but it has been a brilliant move in terms of a career path – I now have a permanent job with the company and am enjoying every minute of it.” Alison Oakes at Scion Technical Services says: “The apprenticeship programme has worked well for us as an organisation. Our Apprentice has been a great asset to us and we have been able to offer him a permanent position on his own merit.”

Another to successfully apply for a post through the initiative is 18-year-old Chloe James, an Accountancy Apprentice with Rapier Employment in Abingdon, who says: “I really enjoy my apprenticeship as it is two completely different atmospheres; being at college with learners then switching to being part of a team with responsibilities. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn as it’s “on the job” and more hands on. I would recommend doing an apprenticeship to anybody.” James Bradley at Rapier Employment says:”This had been our first involvement with the apprenticeship scheme and it has been of great benefit to the organisation. We’ve been so impressed with our apprentice’s work ethic we have opened up apprentice positions throughout our national offices.”

Abingdon and Witney College provides people and businesses from communities across Southern and West Oxfordshire with support and facilities to undertake education and skills training. More than 7,000 students every year gain qualifications at the College.