A trio of young professionals from Worcester have hosted an event to raise awareness of apprenticeships for local schools and businesses.

‘Apprentifix’ was organised by two former apprentices and a graduate trainee from Worcestershire-based housing and care provider Sanctuary Group.

With the help of Fixers, a charity which helps young people get their voices heard, the event gave schools and businesses the chance to hear about apprenticeship schemes in Worcestershire and the opportunities available to young people through these programmes.

Speaking at the event were representatives from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Apprenticeship Service and Worcestershire Group Training Association, as well as a number of apprentices and former apprentices.

This included Hannah Astbury-Jones, an information systems apprentice at Sanctuary Group, who told how she was forced to change her education and career plans when, as a teenager, she became a carer to both her mother and father.

She said: “I am honoured that others can be inspired by my story and although I never expected to take the path I am on today, it has made me a better person and helped me develop personally and professionally.

"School graduates need to realise that university is not the only option any more, there is a huge world out there full of life-changing apprenticeships and volunteer schemes which can launch their careers in ways that university may not be able to.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker also put together a short video outlining the benefits of apprenticeships to employers, which was shown at the event at the Sanctuary Group’s offices on Castle Street on Tuesday, March 4.

Meera Murali, one of Sanctuary’s graduate trainees and co-organiser of the event, said: “We are extremely pleased with how well the Apprentifix event went as it was evident our guests were genuinely interested in the stories and messages our speakers delivered.

“We really hope that people will spread the message about apprenticeships in the county further, and that our Apprentifix films and event will help and inspire employers and young people to look at apprenticeships as a serious route into meaningful employment.”

Sanctuary has provided £75,000 funding to Fixers to support projects for residents and staff in locations across England and Scotland.