APPRENTICES and employers joined South Dorset MP Jim Knight at Weymouth College to launch Apprenticeship Week.

They attended a seminar at the Cranford Avenue campus to hammer home the value of apprenticeships.

The session came before the start of National Apprenticeship Week running from today until to Friday, February 5.

Mr Knight, who is Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “The aim of the week is to raise awareness among people, particularly young people, parents and employers. Getting an apprenticeship is as valid a route into work as going to university.”

The week has been organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which answers to the Departments for Business, Innovation and Skills and Children, Schools and Families.

Mr Knight said: “There are lots of examples of apprentices who have gone on to great things.

“We need parents to understand that an apprenticeship is a positive choice. Apprentices can learn and get paid at the same time.

“Employers also need to offer apprenticeship opportunities and see that they can get help from the Government to build their own skills needs of the future.”

Apprenticeship providers, including Weymouth College, Paragon Skills for Industry and Kingston Maurward College, run apprenticeships in South and West Dorset.

Apprentices work in such businesses as garages, shops, hairdressing salons and offices as well as with such employers as Dorset County Council and Dorset Police.

This week we will be running a series of features to celebrate the successes of apprentices.

The aim is also to debunk some of the myths about apprenticeships dying out or being a glorified successor of the much maligned youth training scheme (YTS) – and show that they are alive and kicking.

Apprentice of the Year

ENTRIES have flooded in for the inaugural Dorset Echo Apprentice of the Year Award.

The aim of the competition is to highlight the achievements of trainees in south and west Dorset – and recognise the best apprentice in the area.

The winner will also receive a framed front page and certificate and £100 worth of equipment to help them in their chosen career.

The quality of the nominees has been top notch. We will be carrying details of all of the finalists on Friday – with the chance to vote for your favourite.