National Apprenticeship Week: why Manchester companies value apprenticeship schemes

National Apprenticeship week is an annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships. Running from February 6-10 this year, the week brings together businesses and apprentices to reflect on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the economy.

This is the 16th annual National Apprenticeship Week and aims to raise awareness of the benefits of taking part in one of these schemes. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to get hands-on training, whilst making money and giving people the potential to progress into a career.

We spoke to Councillor Eamonn O’Brien from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Graham Whitham, Head of Engineering at Lloyds Banking Group to discuss the value of apprenticeships in the workplace.

Cllr O’Brien referred to the council’s Meet your future programme and talked about the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship & Careers Service (GMACS).

He said: “GMACS provides opportunities all year round for people to join an apprenticeship and for businesses to highlight what opportunities they’re providing as well.

“Both in this week and all year round we’re doing some extra special work in Greater Manchester.

“This can’t just be all about academia and taking the academic route.”