Now in its seventh year and organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), National Apprenticeship Week is the ideal time for organisations around the country to promote the positive impact of apprentices, and encourage more employers to recruit them.

Supporters are organising activity between March 3 and 7 around the theme of ‘Great Apprenticeships’ to showcase how apprenticeships are great for businesses, personal careers and creating opportunities for both employers and apprentices. 

Local colleges, including Eastley and Otley College and Lowestoft College, are getting involved by encouraging students to consider apprenticeships and raising awareness among employers in their areas.

The demand of apprentices in the East of England is on the rise. Between August and October last year online applications for apprenticeships in the region increased by 33 per cent (to 39,600), compared to the same period in 2012.

Norwich-based recruitment consultancy firm Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) is one of our local SMEs benefitting from employing an apprentice.

21-year-old April Gotts joined Pure in Norwich in March 2011 following time in the hospitality industry. Having gained extensive experience in customer services, April’s role enables her to further develop her skills by supporting Pure’s recruitment team. Working alongside experienced consultants she helps with their administrative needs on a day-to-day basis. Throughout the apprenticeship April receives work-based training while working to secure a nationally recognised qualification. She is currently studying for a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Business Administration at Cambridge Regional College.

Gill Buchanan, Director of Pure, says: “April prides herself on her ability to turn her hand to most duties and she has this amazing drive to complete her tasks effectively and efficiently. Her energy, perspective and focus helps to give the whole team a boost, while supporting them in a working environment that can be fast-moving. Alongside our other employees, April is a highly valued team member, who is already making an impact by utilising her new skills.

“We are delighted to be able to give April and our other apprentices in our offices in Cambridge, Ipswich and Chelmsford, the opportunity to develop their careers with Pure. I would certainly recommend that other local businesses get involved in the apprenticeship scheme, the benefits are multiple and mutual!”

To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week go to: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.