Solihull Apprenticeship Show

Solihull Apprenticeship Show 2023

Wednesday 8 February 2023

4:00-7:30pm

North Solihull Sports Centre, Conway Road, Fordbridge, B37 5LA

Following a two year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are delighted to announce the Solihull Apprenticeship Show is back! Previous shows have attracted more than 2000 people. There will be a room full of employers and training providers for you to talk to about a wide range of Apprenticeship opportunities.

The show is a great opportunity to:

Learn all about apprenticeships
Discover a variety of sectors and meet employers and training providers to discuss opportunities up to degree level
Speak with apprentices to hear about their experiences
Find out about the application process, where to find advertised apprenticeships and when employers open their recruitment windows

This academic year we are delivering two Apprenticeship Show's. The first show was held on 12th October at Cranmore Conference Centre, and attracted nearly 2000 people. Our second show is being held during National Apprenticeship Week 2023, on 8 February 2023.

Exhibitors

If you are a local employer and/or training provider and you are interested in exhibiting at this event please email lifeready@solihull.gov.uk and we will email you a booking form.

Please take a look at the Exhibitor Directory from the October 2022 show.

Getting to the event

The event is being held at North Solihull Sports Centre, Conway Road, Fordbridge, B37 5LA

Free parking is available onsite.

Get directions

The Sports Centre is a 10 minute walk from Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre. Alternatively, you can access the centre on public transport by taking the number 71 bus.

Useful information

This is a free event. To register your attendance at the event please complete the online booking form: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ApprenticeshipShow/

You can drop-in any time between 4.00 – 7.30pm

Average visit time is over an hour, depending on how many exhibitors you want to talk to and how much preparation you have done (see useful guides below)

In previous years the show has been busiest from 4.00-5:30pm

Show Sponsors

We have three organisations sponsoring the show this year:

Jaguar Land Rover

CAD/AVA Engineer Helen tells us why a Degree Apprenticeship was the best move she’s ever made:

“I started my Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at the age of 22 – after studying robotics at Uni. I’ve worked on a number of projects during the programme – including four years in the Safety Team and have been a mentor to younger apprentices. Since finishing my degree, I have now secured a role as a CAD/AVA engineer. This is perfect for me – I love CAD and enjoy problem solving and working out how components integrate logically into our vehicles.

One of the key challenges for me during my apprenticeship was my confidence levels and self-belief. I am a shy and quite self-critical person and over the years with Jaguar Land Rover – through presenting, mentoring, and networking – I have really learnt how to push myself and become a much more confident person. My managers have always understood my personality and supported & guided me throughout the programme.

The key things I’ve really enjoyed is feeling trusted and valued by my team – and being given the freedom to do the work needed. I’ve also really enjoyed mentoring colleagues – it’s great when you see other apprentices develop in their CAD and technical skills and go from strength to strength.

The apprenticeship was the best move I’ve made – you are trusted and get to work on real projects whilst gaining a degree. My only regret – I wish I’d heard about it earlier!”
Start your career journey with us, discover more here: http://ow.ly/eu7w50HBemo

#LifeatJLR#ReimagineYourFuture#Apprenticeships

Solihull College & University Centre

Dan Deakin Level 4 Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician Apprentice at Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Ltd

“Upon the completion of my A-Levels, I was eager to apply the knowledge I’d obtained in a professional environment. I sought to acquire invaluable work experience, which would enable me to progress towards a future career in finance. As a result, I decided an apprenticeship within accounting would provide an ideal blend of on-the-job learning, in addition to guided learning at college, which would then safeguard as a suitable alternative to university. I decided to choose Solihull College & University Centre, based on the multitude of related courses available, all provided by experienced, ex-industry tutors.

The learning environment is very accommodating, with revision materials widely available and easily accessible for upcoming exams; this has enabled me to progress onto Level 4 AAT, having achieved a distinction at both the Levels 2 and 3. I applied for the accountancy apprenticeship vacancy at Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Ltd through the gov.uk website, which offers a comprehensive list of apprenticeships fit for applicants of all levels.

My employer showcased an impressive interest in developing my existing knowledge, by providing an assessment day that looked beyond my qualifications. Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Ltd focused on the personal attributes and qualities that I had, which were appropriate for the role, and I found this very welcoming. Since I began my employment, I have contributed towards the completion of many key projects and have received personal recognition for my hard work and dedication, which has stimulated my professional development as a result.”

Solihull Council - HR Employment Services

Hannah Gupwell case study Civil Engineer - SMBC

"I started at SMBC as a Civil Engineering Apprentice back in 2019 in Highways, with no prior experience in the industry and having finished my A-Levels back in 2013/14. I have since been able to achieve my BTEC Level 3 in Construction & The Built Environment and have recently secured a position as Assistant Engineer, as well as reaching the finals for the National Apprentice Awards. I am currently undertaking a degree as part of my full-time position and am constantly working towards furthering my professional skills.

I will forever be thankful for SMBC for providing me with the thorough support throughout my time here as I had no experience in Highways or engineering as a whole and since then I have been able to become a valued member of the team. The apprenticeship allowed me to develop upon existing skills and knowledge and to use them in practice. Not only have I been able to develop professionally, but I have also been able to build professional relationships in one of the most welcoming environments I have ever worked in.

I believe that apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity and as someone who didn’t know which career they wanted to go into, it has allowed me to build upon all of these skills and I have been able to begin to work my way up in a career I would not have been able to just walk into without this stepping stone."

Sub sponsor

Flannery Plant Hire are a sub sponsor for the apprentieship show:

Flannery Plant Hire are proud to have grown their business from one machine (a JCB 3C Excavator) in 1972 to almost 5,000 units in 2022. They now partner with world-leading manufacturers including Cat, Komatsu, JCB, Volvo, Bomag and Wacker Neuson.

To read a case study on one of their apprentices click here

Frequently asked questions

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are paid employment with accredited training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices get a salary with valuable training while they work towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard or framework.

Can I apply for an apprenticeship at the event?

No, this is an information event, a chance to meet employers, find out about the apprenticeships they offer, ask questions and chat to apprentices about their experiences

More on Apprenticeships:

These handy guides will help you prepare for the show and get the most out of the event.

Apprenticeship Pack for 16-19 year olds: Your step-by-step guide to apprenticeships. Research your options and make an informed choice Click here

Guidance for Parents and Carers: Download this hints and tips document to help parents and carers explore the various options available. Click Here

Join in the conversation on social media: @LifeReadyEAN #SolAppShow23

Solihull Apprenticeship Show Sponsors 2023

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