Apprenticeship Fair at Salisbury Sixth Form College Attracts Local Students

Salisbury: Recently, around 1,200 students checked out 20 local employers at an apprenticeship fair held at Salisbury Sixth Form College and Wiltshire College. Companies like DSTL, the NHS, and Jas Hair were there to showcase their apprenticeship opportunities.

Maggie Fowler, the event organizer, mentioned how tough it is for young folks to find work experience these days. She believes events like this help them start thinking about their future. She added that university isn’t the only path and shouldn’t be pursued just for the sake of it.

The fair brought together year 10 students from various schools in Salisbury. They participated in a fun game called “take me on,” where employers tried to win them over for potential jobs. The employer with the most votes won!

One of the apprentices, Sophie Buxton, 19, shared her experience. She felt that going to university might have made her lose her passion for learning. Instead, she chose a practical route, learning on the job as a laboratory assistant for the Health Security Agency. She’s aiming for a higher-level apprenticeship after finishing her level three qualification.

Ellie Bennett, 20, who works as an assistant accountant at Francis Clark, expressed her satisfaction with her choice, saying she’s “100 percent glad” she took this route. The NHS, Salisbury’s largest employer, was also present, discussing various apprenticeship options, from nursing to mortuary work.

Rebecca Stark, a practice educator, emphasized the importance of highlighting apprenticeship opportunities, as they provide a broader choice for those not wanting to follow the traditional path. Her colleague, Niza Waterfield, noted that apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds—learning while working.

Jas Hair, with three branches in Salisbury, offers one apprenticeship each year at every location. Salon manager Karin Walsh highlighted the flexibility apprenticeships provide, allowing individuals to earn while they learn and gain real-world experience.

Stephen Mitchell, who joined an accounting firm at 18 and is now fully qualified at 25, shared his thoughts on university. He believes it’s crucial for kids to know there are various options available to them beyond the traditional route.