Local apprentice gives views on HBC event

Local apprentice, Paul Oxton, of Accrington, is encouraging young people to come along to the Hyndburn Apprenticeship Event, set to take place Friday 21st June, from 4pm to 7pm, at Accrington Town Hall.

21 year old Paul,  a former Rhyddings Business & Enterprise School student, began looking for an apprenticeship and found the ideal opportunity at Accrington & Rossendale College, where he both works and studies at the College for a Business & Admin Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Paul is a big fan of the mixture of practical work alongside the theory which Apprenticeships give you, "It's important to get practical work experience and a solid knowledge as well.  Apprenticeships are a really good way for young people to take their first steps towards into a career. So I’d urge anyone to go along to the event on the 21st to see what’s on offer.”

At the event , there will be a  range of apprenticeships and training places, plus the chance to win an IPAD mini. Aimed at people aged 16 to 24, attendees will be able to find out more about apprenticeships direct from employers and training providers, seek expert advice and get one-to-one support in applying for apprenticeship vacancies.  

There will be real live vacancies on offer, along with the chance to apply for apprenticeships and have an interview with potential employers on the day. Candidates will also have the chance to get hands on and try out a range of skills and trades including dentistry, joinery, painting and decorating along with hair and beauty.

Paul concluded; "The apprenticeship is pretty much what I expected it to be.  When you graduate from an apprenticeship you can be confident that you can do the job, because you've already spent a large part of your apprenticeship actually doing it.  So for anyone considering an apprenticeship I’d say go for it and the Hyndburn Apprenticeships event is a great chance to get expert advice, try a trade and even apply and get an interview for some vacancies."

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones will be opening the event, which has been organised by Hyndburn Council in association with Hyndburn Chamber of Commerce, Accrington & Rossendale College, North Lancs Training Group, Training 2000 and Lancashire County Council.

The Hyndburn Apprenticeships event is free to attend and open to all 16 – 24 year olds, all attendees will also be entered into a free prize draw for the chance to win an IPAD mini.

For more information visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk or call Kirsten Burnett on 01254 388111.