Apprenticeships to be the focus of webinar uniting colleges and universities in North Wales

Bangor and Wrexham Glyndwr universities, Coleg Cambria, Grwp Llandrillo Menai and The Open University (OU) have joined forces to promote fully funded apprenticeships.

Places are available from January onwards and partners include Welsh Water, Cartrefi Cymru, Airbus and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, bringing education into the workplace and giving learners vital hands-on experience while achieving an undergraduate degree over three years.

Presented by David Roberts, chair of North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, employers are being encouraged to attend the virtual event and upskill employees at a crucial time for all industries in the face of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “The webinar is a platform to inform businesses and anyone looking to retrain or progress in their current role about the opportunities that are out there.

“These are fully funded positions in a range of fields, though during the session we will focus specifically on the IT, digital and manufacturing sectors as these are areas where there is huge demand.”

Business Relationships Manager at The Open University in Wales, Rhys Griffiths said: "I’m looking forward to speaking to employers across the North Wales region about the fantastic opportunity degree apprenticeships can provide to their staff, as well in the attraction of new talent to the workplace."

Mr Roberts added: “This is something we should be shouting about more. Fully funded apprenticeships right on the doorstep of so many employers here in Wales.

“We are particularly keen on boosting numbers into the New Year – there is an intake this January – so hopefully we get a positive response on the day.”

Among those to have benefited from the scheme is Carl Jeffreys, a software engineering apprentice with Welsh social landlord, Trivallis.

He said: “The high level of flexibility and autonomy really helps. I can map things out and plan my work and study, but I can also be malleable with my time when something comes up. Plus, I am able to juggle it all with my wife and child.”

The event took place on Tuesday November 17 from 2.30-3.30pm and includes a Q&A and presentation from an apprentice and employer.

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Find out more about degree apprenticeships in Wales