Apprentices to Training Provider Owners

National Apprenticeship Week takes place from the 8th until the 14th of February. The aim of the week is to raise the profile of apprenticeships as a viable way to start or progress your career. It will showcase the impact that apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses, and regional economies. This year’s theme is “Build the Future” and is the 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships.

One local company, Professional Apprenticeships, celebrate their fifth birthday this April.

The company was founded by two former apprentices, both born and bred in South Bristol. Adam Rooke, 35, from Hengrove, started his career by studying two apprenticeships. The first in Sport and Leisure at Keynsham Leisure Centre and then progressing into a Foundation Degree Level Apprenticeship in Community Development and Teaching. Carina Bush, 30, grew up in Headley Park and was a hairdressing apprentice before going on to work at another hairdressing provider. Carina was responsible for apprentice recruitment and studied teaching, health and safety and safeguarding, which she delivered to students. After their training both founders developed substantial experience within the industry. They ended up working together and were part of the team that won the 2015 Regional Apprenticeship Provider of the year award.

In early 2016 the pair made the brave decision to leave their jobs and set up a provider of their own and in April of that year, Professional Apprenticeships was born. Based in Filwood Green Business Park in South Bristol, they deliver apprenticeships in Business, Digital Marketing, IT and various Management. Due to a local need, they opened a second academy in Taunton, Somerset on the 1st of February this year, and have plans to open a third in Swindon before the year is out.

When asked about the company’s success Carina said,

“We are a company that is built by apprentices for apprentices so are extremely passionate about what we do. I love that we are able to give other people the opportunities we had whilst also helping the local economy.

We are not letting the lockdown become a barrier to people getting involved in apprenticeships. We are hosting digital open days, interviews with guest employers and apprentices plus we have increased our social media output with apprentice takeovers.”

National Apprenticeship week will be very different this year without face-to-face events but many providers are switching to digital just as Professional Apprenticeships have.

Adam said,

“National Apprenticeship Week is extremely important for the profile of apprenticeships. Many people have a dated view of what apprenticeships are and this week is a great platform to shout about successes and educate business and potential apprentices. Apprenticeships are not just an option for those who cannot go to university. The landscape has changed dramatically for both employer and apprentice. There are a huge variety of different levels including Degree Level courses and there are thousands of subjects to choose from. Employers are also currently able to access grants to offset the costs and help tackle the issue of youth unemployment”.

If you would like more information on Professional Apprenticeships events this week then go to: www.professionalapprenticeships.co.uk/news