STUDENTS from across the North East have been finding out about the benefits of apprenticeships.

Businesses have been visiting schools and colleges in North Tyneside to chat to pupils about work-based training opportunities as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Martin King and Dan Hodgson, who are employed by Capita Symonds to deliver North Tyneside Council’s highways services, spoke to Year 10 and 13 students at St Thomas More RC Academy in North Shields about future opportunities with the company.

They talked about how apprenticeships are a great way to get on-the-job training while earning a wage, as well as offer an invaluable first step on the career ladder.

Year 13 student Kieran Gunn, 17, said: “The apprenticeships with the council and its partners sound very interesting and a good way of getting into work.

“The assembly was informative and helped me to understand about all the different apprentices available.”

Year 10 student Brandon Binks, 15, added: “The assembly was really interesting and has made me keen to find out more about apprenticeships.

“There’s lots on offer, and it’s good to know there’s other routes to take after school.”

Coun David Lilly, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “These assemblies provide a perfect opportunity for young people to find out more about what apprenticeships entail and about the opportunities that are available to them in North Tyneside.

“As a council, we are working very closely with local employer partners to ensure that our young people know about and can access the apprenticeship opportunities that are out there, and I am delighted that our strategic partner Capita Symonds is supporting these events.”

Capita Symonds is recruiting 12 apprentices on North Tyneside in 2013, across a range of disciplines including business administration, civil engineering and activity leadership.

Barry Pilkington, Capita Symonds’ operations director, said: “We recognise the positive impact that apprenticeships can have, not just for the individual but for organisations too, and are fully supporting National Apprenticeship Week.

“Our team is getting involved in a variety of ways, including visiting local schools so that young people are aware of the exciting opportunities available and raising awareness with other employers, including our own supply chain partners.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2013 ends tomorrow.

David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “I regularly speak to employers who tell me about the benefits that apprenticeships bring to their business.

“Apprentices not only increase productivity, but also bring creativity and dynamism into the workplace; the very best examples of which are being showcased in this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.”

For further information on opportunities with Capita Symonds, visit www.capitasymonds.co.uk/careers or www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Our team is getting involved in a variety of ways, including visiting local schools