Two Modern Apprentices from the Isle of Wight participated in National Apprenticeship Week 2010 by enjoying a promotional event in Portsmouth with Time Team presenter Tony Robinson.

The event organised by the National Apprenticeship Service at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard was attended by over 60 apprentices and employers from across the South East, including  former and current apprentices of all ages spanning some 60 years. 

Lucy Johnson and John Williams (pictured) both of Wroxall, and former students of Medina High School have recently started Modern Business Apprenticeships on the Isle of Wight.  Lucy(18) began as PA to the Directors of the IW Council  in November 2009 and John (16) as Station Administrator for Studio B at IW Radio in January 2010.

Actor and author, Tony Robinson (pictured) famous for hosting Channel 4 programmes such as Time Team and The Worst Jobs in History, was guest speaker and enlightened those present to the history of ‘Apprenticeships Through The Ages’.

Both thoroughly Modern Island Apprentices Lucy and John very much enjoyed meeting Tony and were very popular throughout the event by being interviewed for Radio and TV and we hear a film is going to be produced for schools.

John accompanied by his employer IW Radio representative Simon Clarke and Apprenticeship training provider HTP Simon Attrill (pictured), fresh from having breakfasted at the Island Apprenticeship Week offering in the Albert Cottage Hotel in East Cowes.

Lucy Johnson commented:

In July last year I completed my A-Levels studies to secure a place at University, but given the current economic climate I started to reflect on my long term career options.
 
I discovered two Modern Apprenticeships in Business Administration vacancies that interested me on the Isle of Wight Council website and applied for both.  After being invited to one interview I was told ‘just pipped at the post’” I then attended the second interview  and  was offered my current position of Apprentice PA to the Directors of the IW Council the very next day.

I love the opportunity that this particular Business Skills Apprenticeship has offered, I earn whilst studying for nationally recognised qualifications with a bonus of not having a massive student debt at the end. The IW Council and my local Apprenticeship training provider Smart are giving me a great opportunity to get a foot on a positive career ladder. There are so many interesting and challenging opportunities to develop my chosen career in Local Government.

At a time when apprenticeships are high on the government’s agenda, this event in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard was a perfect opportunity and venue to hear first hand from those who have benefited from the National Apprenticeship Service programme.

More news on Apprenticeship through the Ages to follow…

If you live on the Isle of Wight and are looking for an Apprenticeship, or an employer looking for an apprentice, there is a whole range of information to help you decide if  Modern Apprenticeships are the right route for you.

Click on the open links in bold text to go directly to either the main Apprenticeship website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk or to the information services websites that are available for the Isle of Wight.

www.iwight.com/council/working_for_the_council/modern_apprenticeships/modernap.asp

www.iwigts.org/apprenticeships.php

www.iwcollege.ac.uk/section.php?title=Apprenticeships

www.htptraining.com

www.smarttar.co.uk

Isle of Wight Integrated Youth Support Service