February
This is a busy month for ETT and apprenticeships. Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2021 and the launch of our Awards.
It should have felt like a really strange start to the year but in actual fact it hasn’t; it is just more of what we all dealt with in 2020. There is however, a different feel (in my opinion) to this lockdown with most engineering and manufacturing companies continuing through. It feels like there is a little more confidence for the future with the vaccine being rolled out and businesses within our industry seemingly busy. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not out of the woods by any stretch and there are plenty of challenges being faced by businesses to manage their workforce and keep them healthy whilst maintaining production but things seem to be moving in the right direction.
February has a couple of things going on and acts as sort of the kick-off point for the annual apprenticeship drive. Yes, you can start an apprenticeship at any time of year and at any age however, there is no doubt that a great number of businesses like to recruit talented young people straight out of school to start with them in August. For those businesses, now begins the process of advertising their vacancies and finding their next apprentice.
National Apprenticeship Week 2021
The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships takes place across England and showcases the impact that apprenticeships can have. There are virtual events, webinars and information available every day of the week directed at both potential apprentices and employers. We will be sharing video interviews with current apprentices, previous apprentices and employers to give a feel of what an apprenticeship in engineering and manufacturing is like form both sides of the fence.
Become an Apprentice
If you are someone potentially looking for an apprenticeship, jump on Twitter during the week and search #NAW2021. On Wednesday specifically search #AskAnApprentice and get your questions answered and find out more about apprenticeships. Also, keep an eye on our Twitter feed @EngineerTrust where we will be sharing our interviews with current and completed apprentices. You can also ping us questions on Facebook @Theengineeringtrust or alternatively pick up the phone and give us a call!
Employ an Apprentice
Employers looking to find out more about how an apprenticeship would work in their business can also find information on Twitter via #NAW2021. Tuesday is when #AskAnEmployer will run and a good opportunity to get your questions answered. We will be sharing our employer interviews on LinkedIn @the-engineering-trust-training, on Twitter via #AskAnEmployer and our feed @EngineerTrust and on our Facebook page @Theengineeringtrust. If you are interested in how an apprenticeship would work in your business then the best idea is to give us a call. We would be more than happy to talk through the options with you.
Our Awards
February is also the launch of our awards, celebrating 2020. They are a look back to the previous year recognising, celebrating and promoting the achievements and excellence of our apprentices and their employers. For those who completed their apprenticeship in 2020, it acts as a fitting end to their journey and for others, inspiration to finish and achieve.
This year we have six categories of award and also, for the first time, several wonderful companies who will be supporting us in the judging. Thanks to The Manufacturer, Priddy Marketing and TBAT Innovation.
We are also really pleased to launch the Trevor Woodger MBE Award. Trevor was a Training Officer at ETT and passed away in 2020. He was awarded his MBE in 2003 for services to Engineering Education and helped countless people begin and advance their career in Engineering.
Nominations from our current apprentices and employers are now open and we plan to have winners by the end of April.
Lastly a reminder...
Don’t forget that February also holds Valentine’s day….
Last minute gifts from the garage down the road may not be acceptable….
A card is mandatory…
Best of luck!
Written by Mark, ETT CEO