Angela Smith, MP for Sheffield Hillsborough recently went back to the floor’ to experience life as an apprentice in support of a national campaign aimed at encouraging more employers to provide Apprenticeships in the region.
The ‘back to the floor’ initiative devised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to support National Apprenticeship Week 2010, saw Angela Smith MP roll up her sleeves to tackle life as an apprentice in the property industry.
The unique experience gave Angela the opportunity to visit Martin & Co Estate Agents in Sheffield as she shadowed 19-year-old apprentice Tom Perry, currently in his first year of an apprenticeship in business administration working towards a level two NVQ.
Angela Smith MP for Sheffield Hillsborough, said:
“National Apprenticeship Week has been a great opportunity to see young people in their place of work and the dedication they put in to their training to give their career the best possible start.
“Apprenticeships play an important role in strengthening a young person’s skills and future prospects, whilst giving businesses the edge to succeed in the upturn. I am sure the expanding range of subjects an Apprenticeship can be taken in will encourage more people to consider becoming an apprentice.”
Nick Wilson, regional director of the NAS, said:
“We are delighted that Angela has taken part in Apprenticeship Week through the ‘back to the floor’ activity. We hope that Angela gained a lot from the experience and learnt more about what being an apprentice involves. MPs are getting a taste of Apprenticeships across a number of sectors and industries, showing the breadth of job roles on offer”.
In total, seven MPs across Yorkshire are shadowing apprentices working in their constituencies; from those working in hospitality, childcare and horticulture to others in engineering, market research and hairdressing.
The back to the floor experiences are all part of Apprenticeship Week which is taking place from the 1st to the 5th February. Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, the Week aims to celebrate apprentices and raise awareness of the value they bring to UK businesses.
Apprenticeships cover a diverse range of sectors that span the breadth of the economy. From traditional blue-collar roles to sectors ranging from accountancy and engineering, to construction, catering, creative industries and sport – today’s Apprenticeships cover an extremely broad spectrum.
The NAS, which launched in April 2009, is fast building upon the incredible renaissance that is currently taking place within Apprenticeships. In the last decade, Apprenticeship numbers have already more than trebled, with companies of all sizes across the country waking up to the many business benefits gained from employing an apprentice.
The NAS provides a comprehensive network of services and support to employers, whilst helping learners during their first steps towards finding an Apprenticeship. From a helpline to an online vacancy matching service that helps businesses find apprentices.
For further information and employer advice on Apprenticeships, log on to www.apprenticeships.org.uk or phone 08000 150 600.
