Bournemouth and Poole College’s annual Apprenticeships Unlocked event was a resounding success, attracting a record crowd to the Pavilion Theatre a week before National Apprenticeship Week. With tickets selling out a week in advance, the event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for vocational training and career development in the region.
The event provided prospective apprentices with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with top businesses from a diverse range of industries, including Sunseeker, RNLI, Lush, Dorset Healthcare, and Holmes of Beauty. Attendees were able to explore a wide array of apprenticeship opportunities and gain first-hand insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
College staff were also on-hand to offer expert guidance on how apprenticeships serve as a powerful springboard for career progression. Bournemouth and Poole College has a strong track record in apprenticeship success, with 97% of apprentices securing permanent employment or continuing with their apprenticeship employer after completing their programme.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to this year’s Apprenticeships Unlocked,” said Antony Carr, Executive Director of Skills at Bournemouth and Poole College. “The demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever, and it’s encouraging to see so many young people and career-changers eager to explore the fantastic opportunities apprenticeships provide.”
Bournemouth and Poole College collaborates with over 2,000 employers across Dorset, offering more than 30 different apprenticeship programmes across 10 key sectors. As the region’s largest apprenticeship provider, the College remains committed to bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
Following the record-breaking turnout, plans are already underway to expand next year’s Apprenticeships Unlocked event to accommodate even greater demand. For those who were unable to attend, Bournemouth and Poole College encourages prospective apprentices to explore available apprenticeship opportunities on their website or by attending the next Open Event on 8th May.