BRADFORD Council is highlighting the contributions of its many apprentices as we approach National Apprenticeship Week 2021.

The annual, week-long celebration starts on Monday and runs until 14 February, aiming to "shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country".

The week also recognises how employers have stepped up to the challenge during these unprecedented times.

Bradford Council is supporting the National Apprenticeship Agency, which has provided toolkits for apprentices, parents, teachers and employers to encourage people to celebrate apprenticeships and to recognise what they can bring to employers and communities.

Since April 2017, Bradford Council has used the apprenticeship levy to up-skill existing staff, as well as employing new apprentices through vacancies. 

654 employees have been set up on apprenticeship training in areas such as early years, children and young people, health and social care, social work, digital marketing, project management, business administration and technical services in construction and trade areas.

An increasing range of apprenticeship standards are now available for young people to choose from.

Apprenticeships are also now available at a range of levels, ranging from level two (equivalent to GCSEs) to level seven (masters level qualifications).

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has brought so many challenges to our district. It has hit many employers hard and has also been extremely challenging for many of our young people.

"But National Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many fantastic achievements apprentices have made both at Bradford Council and across our district.

“We need to get the message out about what a positive choice taking an apprenticeship can be. An apprenticeship can offer people from all ages and backgrounds a pathway into a high-quality job, as well as bringing benefits to the businesses they work in.

"As well as learning about work, young people can get paid and develop important skills that local employers need.

“During this hugely difficult time, apprenticeships offer our businesses an opportunity to help grow their own talent and develop a workforce from our local communities.”

For information on apprenticeships across the Bradford district, visit the Council website or contact SkillsHouse 

To find out more about apprenticeships nationally, visit the apprenticeships website.

For queries on National Apprenticeship Week, email: the.week@education.gov.uk.