More than 60 employers inspired the next generation at the recent Apprenticeship Expo 2018 hosted at Exeter College, on behalf of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.

Now in its fourth year, the Apprenticeship Expo was the biggest event to take place in the South West during National Apprenticeship Week (5th – 11th March 2018).

The Expo showcased employers of Apprentices and gave young people the chance to speak to businesses, discover opportunities and the benefits of employment with training. The event was free to exhibit at and free to attend.

With over 60 businesses exhibiting, this was a unique opportunity to meet face to face with companies such Flybe, Exeter Chiefs, Met Office, Exeter City Council and many more. With thousands of jobs available visitors were able to learn more about Apprenticeships, the employers, the roles and valuable employability and CV writing skills.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Exeter College, said: “The ongoing support and commitment of businesses for Apprenticeships, in Devon and Cornwall is at an all-time high. The opportunities created by employers has given the next generation of Apprentices far wider choice and higher quality positions than ever before.

“We look forward to the Expo throughout the year and having the opportunity to match aspirational career opportunities and enthusiastic young people together is a highlight for us. Having more than 2,000 young people attend an event such as this really shows the growing interest of young people and parents alike in employment with high quality training.

Apprenticeships continue to grow within the college and with over 2,200 studying with us this year and record breaking success rates, there’s no better time to be an Apprentice.”

Nigel Fenn, Chair of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and sponsors of the Apprenticeship Expo, is delighted with the way the event has developed and expanded year on year.

He said: “This was the fourth year for the Expo and it has been the biggest and best yet. We had 60 employers exhibiting at the Expo, all promoting their business career opportunities to thousands of visitors.

The Expo hosted the region’s top employers including Flybe, Met Office and RD&E, all offering a range of vacancies from intermediate level to degree level.”

The Expo took place at Exeter College’s Sports Hall, Off Queen Street on Thursday 8th March, 2pm – 7pm. The annual National Apprenticeship Week, now in its eleventh year, took place from 5th-9th March 2018, with hundreds of events taking place across England.

The week was co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, and was designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.