A FOCUS week for apprenticeships in Shropshire will take place virtually this year because of Covid-19.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 8-12 and is usually marked with events such as the annual Apprenticeship and Skills Show at the Telford International Centre and the Apprenticeship Show at the Shrewsbury Football Cub, plus local drop in events.

Therefore a group has come together to provide a great interactive and accessible virtual event, a one-stop-shop for apprenticeships, including the Ladder for Shropshire, a one stop shop for independent advice and guidance on apprenticeships, traineeships and kickstart, jointly sponsored by Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils.

Clair Schafer, from the Ladder for Shropshire, and has worked with apprentices in Whitchurch, said “In previous years the live events have welcomed thousands of visitors to find out about the wide range of careers available through apprenticeships, the local companies that are offering the positions and the training providers that will be supporting the training.

"This year more than ever it is important that young people, parents, teachers and employers have access to this information and we have been working to make this available on line.

"Young people can log on to the virtual event which will be a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand what incredible opportunities are out there, despite the pandemic.

"It will showcase what employers have to offer, success stories of people who started their careers as apprentices and are now very successful."

The virtual event platform will be live throughout National Apprenticeship week and will include timetabled events including videos, online activities, live interaction with providers, employers and existing apprentices with lots of opportunity to ask questions for potential apprentices, parents, teachers and employers.

All the information about the event will be available on the Ladder for Shropshire website page www.ladderforshropshire.org