Your Guide to Finding an Apprenticeship as York Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Thinking about what to do after school or fancying a completely new career path can feel like a massive puzzle. University is one route, but it’s not for everyone. And that's where apprenticeships come in, offering a brilliant way to earn money while getting proper qualifications. It’s a hot topic across the country, and right now, City of York Council is putting a big spotlight on all the fantastic opportunities available locally. With National Apprenticeship Week running from 9-15 February, it's the perfect time to explore how these schemes bring huge benefits to individuals, businesses, and the wider York economy.

So, what’s all the fuss about apprenticeships?

Gone are the days when apprenticeships were just for traditional trades. These days, someone can kickstart a career as an apprentice in almost anything, from digital marketing and software development to healthcare and engineering. The basic idea is simple but effective: an apprentice works for an employer, earns a real wage, and spends some of their time studying for a formal qualification. It’s the best of both worlds. Instead of just learning theory from a book, apprentices get hands-on experience, picking up practical skills that employers are desperate for. This approach provides incredible opportunities for individuals to build a solid career from the ground up, without racking up student debt. The hands-on experience provides immense benefits, setting apprentices on a clear path to success.

York is buzzing with opportunities

For anyone living in or around York, the timing couldn't be better. There are currently over 50 live apprenticeship opportunities within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. These aren't just any jobs; they span across the city's key growth sectors, meaning they are in industries that are expanding and looking for fresh talent. The range of employers is also impressive. Opportunities are available with big international companies as well as the small and medium-sized local businesses that form the backbone of the city's economy. This variety means there are apprenticeship opportunities to suit all sorts of interests and ambitions. The sheer number of vacancies highlights a strong commitment from local employers to invest in new apprentices and develop their skills. It's a fantastic sign for the local economy.

How it works for businesses

It’s not just the apprentices who get a great deal. For employers, taking on apprentices is a smart move. It allows businesses to shape their future workforce, training individuals with the exact skills needed to help the company grow. And there’s a clever national scheme that makes it even easier, especially for smaller businesses. Larger employers with a big payroll contribute to something called the apprenticeship levy. Think of it as a big pot of money set aside specifically for apprenticeship training. These apprenticeship levy-paying firms can use their fund for their own apprentices. But, and this is the really clever bit, they can also share it. Through an apprenticeship levy transfer, they can fund the training for apprentices at smaller businesses in their area. In York, the council has already approved over £395,000 worth of apprenticeship levy transfer requests, helping local businesses to recruit new apprentices or upskill their existing teams. It's a system designed to ensure that businesses of all sizes can access the benefits of apprenticeships.

“High quality skills and learning for all is one of the key pillars of our Council Plan. One of core commitments to this is promoting and improving pathways to employment,” said Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, including Skills and Apprenticeships. “National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the benefits that apprenticeships bring to both individuals and businesses and better still highlight the fantastic work of our hard working apprentices across York.”

Get involved at the skills fair

Reading about opportunities is one thing, but meeting potential employers face-to-face is even better. That’s why the council is helping to host the York Jobs, Apprenticeships and Skills Fair. This free event is a must-visit for anyone curious about their next career move. It’s happening on Tuesday 24 March at the York Barbican. It’s a brilliant chance for individuals to chat with a wide range of employers, find out more about their apprenticeship opportunities, and get a real feel for what different roles involve. It's not just for job-seekers, either. Local businesses are being encouraged to register for a spot at the event to showcase what they offer and meet the next generation of talent. It’s a key event in the city’s calendar for connecting people with real work and training opportunities.

Where to find out more

Whether for an individual looking for a new career or an employer thinking about hiring, there's plenty of support available. The world of apprenticeships and skills training is always evolving, with options like T Levels also providing another path that mixes classroom learning with an industry placement. For anyone wanting to explore the options, here are some useful places to start:

• For general information and advice from the local council, people can visit www.york.gov.uk/yorkapprenticeships.
• To search and apply for current vacancies, the national portal is the place to go: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
• To understand more about T Levels, check out www.tlevels.gov.uk.

With so much support from the council and a thriving community of businesses, there has never been a better time to look into the world of apprenticeships in York. This week of celebration is just the start.