A COLLEGE in Cirencester is getting ready for a week of celebrations as nearly 100 apprentices are set to graduate next week.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from March 9-13 and will celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy all across the UK. Cirencester College is encouraging any young person or employer interested in hearing more about apprenticeships to come along to an information evening next week.

Apprenticeships, which are now in their eighth year at the Stroud Road college, are becoming increasingly popular for college and school leavers.

The college will celebrate more than 90 graduating apprentices from 55 local employers this month.

Former apprentice Peter Hugill, who graduated last year, is now a senior roaster at Rave Coffee, after working his way up in the company during the space of two years. The 18-year-old said he originally wanted to work in IT but jumped at the chance to work as a customer service apprentice at the Cirencester coffee firm two years ago.

“With my job I have to speak to customers a lot,” said Mr Hughill. “Two years ago, I would not be able to speak with people openly. I would be in my shell. It’s really given me a boost, given me a qualification and pushed me further.”

Working with Peter now as an apprentice at Rave is Jordon Frape, 20, who started at the firm, based in Love Lane industrial estate, six months ago. His advice to those looking to become an apprentice is just to “take the leap”.

“I’ve always said to go for it,” said Mr Frape. “Throw yourself in. Show them that you’re willing and get stuck in.”

Apprenticeship manager at the college, Sally Turner, explained heavy investment from the government and employers into providing high quality apprenticeship programmes allows young people to get their first step on the career ladder.

“They are now a real choice,” said Ms Turner. “There is no need to try and balance which is more important, work experience or qualifications. Apprenticeships allow the young person to get both.

“The beauty of the programme is that it is flexible, as we can work closely with employers to meet their needs and help make a difference not only to that employer’s company but to many young people’s lives,”Cirencester College offers a wide range of apprenticeships such as accounting, business and administration, creative and digital media, IT applications, management and more.

The apprenticeships are offered at three levels: intermediate, which is equivalent to GCSEs, advanced which is equivalent to A levels and Higher which is equivalent to a HND, degree or other university level qualification.

Ms Turner said: “Our job is to make sure that the work role matches the level of the apprenticeship. By ensuring that apprenticeships are available at all levels, this gives all young people an opportunity to join an apprenticeship programme, regardless of how little or how much experience they have in that sector, or indeed, a workplace generally.”

Ideally, a young person would work with an employer who is able to offer an apprenticeship at any level. Then the new apprentice would progress through the job, taking on more responsibilities.

“This is a win-win situation,” she said. “That young person will be receiving thorough, structured training and qualifications to back that experience up and the employer will be producing a good all-round top quality employee that will be an asset to their company.” Director of Rave Coffee Jack Smith said he was lucky that both his apprentices, Peter and Jordon, were “model employees.” “We’ve had some enthusiastic apprentices come in that are willing to not only learn about customer service but also take on more responsibility in the company,” he said.

Mr Smith said he would advise firms thinking of taking on an apprentice not to rush the process, as it as not just cheap labour.

“The role in the company needs to benefit the employee and the company, as well as the business,” he said.

Jordan McKenna, 21, started an apprenticeship at Cirencester Housing Society in 2012 and impressed his employers so much that they offered him a position as housing officer. He chose to join the programme rather than go to university and said he did not regret his decision.

“I was the first apprentice they took on and I just did everything when I started,” he said.

He spent an extra year at Cirencester College, re-sitting a few exams, but when he was ready to go to university he decided it was not for him.

Anyone interested in finding out more can attend an information evening at the college on Thursday, March 12, from 4pm to 7pm.