Bournemouth and Poole College’s Apprenticeships Unlocked - This Year’s Sold-out Event

A record number of attendees came to the annual Apprenticeships Unlocked event at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Thursday, 6^th February, showing an unprecedented interest in modern - as well as more traditional - apprenticeships.

Employers who take on apprentices, including largescale companies such as Curtiss Wright, Greendale Construction Ltd. and University Hospitals Dorset, along with SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) such as Rockley Watersports, Marsham Court Hotel and Holmes of Beauty, were all in attendance with stands at the event. 

The college partners with more than 1,000 employers, and offers over 50 apprenticeship courses, with over 2,000 apprentices — and is proud to have a long and successful history of delivering apprenticeships across many different sectors -with Engineering and Construction being the largest study areas. 

There was a large bustle of activity in the room with our Student Engagement and Enrichment Team. Luke, attending on behalf of the team, said: “We had a spinning wheel to win prizes for possible new students attending Apprenticeships Unlocked. Students were enthusiastic, interested and we had some good discussions around them joining the college and what would be on offer to them as students.”

Employers Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust’s Polly said: “It was really good, really very productive.” Alex, her colleague said: “We’ve had a few conversations and have a vacancy for an apprenticeship. There has generally been lots of interest and enquiries about the Level 2, rather than the Level 3 apprenticeship. We’d definitely come back to the event next year.”

Another employer, Rob Gibson, from the Health Sciences University (HSU), said: “I’ve had some very interesting conversations, as a smaller and more niche university, it’s very worthwhile coming here. There’s certainly lots of interest in the apprenticeship route as opposed to full-time degrees at the moment.”

Harrison, a student at St. Edward’s School, Poole said: “We were sent the information at our school about Apprenticeships Unlocked. It’s pretty good. I did work experience with Superior Seals for three days – that was a great experience.” 

Thomas, from Poole, 15, attending with his mum and dad, said: “I wasn’t sure about Boatbuilding versus Marine Engineering. Tonight - has made me swing my decision -  for Boatbuilding, I’ve talked to RNLI, Berthon and Sunseeker, but have ruled one out on its location already. It’s great to be able to do this. I’m going for Boatbuilding.”

Jo Rickets, of the Health and Social Care department at the college said: “There’s been more of an interest from students doing Level 3 A levels than Level 1 or 2 qualifications this year.”

Following the record-breaking turnout, plans are well underway to expand next year’s Apprenticeships Unlocked to accommodate even greater demand. For those who were unable to attend, Bournemouth and Poole College encourages prospective apprentices to explore available apprenticeship opportunities on their website or by attending the next Open Event on 8^th May – for details see: http://www.thecollege.co.uk/open.

For a full list of employers at the event, please see below:

• Atlas Elektronik UK
• Berthon
• BIS Valves Ltd
• Bournemouth University
• Curtiss-Wright
• Dorset Careers Hub
• Dorset HealthCare
• Eaton
• Gozmetics Beauty
• Greendale Construction Limited
• Health Sciences University
• Holmes of Beauty
• Kestrel Medical Ltd
• Kier Construction
• Knights Brown
• Lush Cosmetics
• Marsham Court Hotel
• Ocean Automotive
• Parker (Heatric)
• Primetals Technologies Ltd
• RNLI
• Rockley Watersports
• Sunseeker International
• Superior Seals Ltd
• Suttle Projects
• Taylor Wimpey
• The Parks Foundation
• Unique Group
• University Hospitals Dorset
• Walker AEC (Poole) Ltd
• Yunex Traffic