Sparsholt College apprentices showed off their skills and became the teachers as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2016. Apprenticeship Liaison Officers were put through their paces as part of a series of activities which celebrated apprenticeships and the opportunities studying and working in partnership provide to individuals, businesses and the economy

During the week the College held a series of challenges showcasing the skills of the apprentices including a forklift truck obstacle course, an arboriculture climbing test and a tree planting against the clock competition.

Helen Mitchell who leads the apprenticeship team said: “National Apprenticeship Week celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have. Our apprentices really enjoyed pitting their skills against each other in the various challenges and showing off their knowledge and know-how as they led their Apprenticeship Officers through the trials. They made great teachers and clearly have considerable skills and expertise in the areas they are specialising in which is exactly what an Apprenticeship will deliver.”

The event is part of the ninth annual National Apprenticeship Week. The 2016 theme is ‘rise to the top’, focusing on progression and opportunity as a way to showcase the rich and diverse apprenticeship offer, from traineeships right through to higher and degree apprenticeships, all of which are available at the College.

Sparsholt College is known for the quality of its provision and the highly supportive team of Apprenticeship Liaison Officers who ensure the entire process, from identifying a vacancy, recruiting an apprentice, working with the employer and apprentice and the successful completion of the programme, go as smoothly as possible.

Apprenticeships offer a high standard of training, formal qualifications and improved job prospects for trainees with research showing that qualified apprentices are considered to be 15% more employable than non-apprentices. Companies see the benefit too, with 96% of those who employ an Apprentice reporting benefits to their business.

Find out more about apprenticeships