The county council is gearing up for a year-long celebration of Worcestershire Apprenticeships' tenth anniversary.

The occasion will kick off during National Apprenticeship Week 2024 (NAW24), which commences from Monday, February 5 until Sunday, February 11 with the aim of promote the opportunities that apprenticeships offer.

In association with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, the week's main objective is to celebrate the achievements of individuals, businesses, and apprenticeship providers, while eradicating misconceptions about apprenticeships.

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In the last year, the Worcestershire County Council has seen more than 260 of their personnel take part in apprenticeships at all academic levels.

Over the previous year, over 4,000 individuals across the county took up apprenticeship roles, resulting in a surge in school leavers opting for the scheme.

Approximately one out of every 20 students leaving school in 2023 decided to start an apprenticeship scheme, affording them the chance to acquire new abilities while earning.

Francesca Gibbs, Worcestershire apprenticeships project manager, said: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth, they're an incredible route into employment and we've seen thousands of people locally take one on.

"National Apprenticeship Week allows us to put the spotlight on some of the local achievements, to myth bust, and it's the perfect time for us to begin a year of celebrating our tenth anniversary."

Likewise, Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, infrastructure, and skills, said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent chance for people of Worcestershire to gain employment and learn new skills.

"They are crucial for local businesses too, in bridging gaps in skills and for helping with future workforce planning."

The week will end with the launch of Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2024, with the nominations for all categories opening on Friday, February 9.

The highlight of the year-long campaign, the awards ceremony, is scheduled for November 14.