To help young people in the Midlands secure well-paid careers, Make UK is hosting an open day at its Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham on February 12, from 10am to 2pm, as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Attendees can learn directly from employers about how they can successfully apply for one of over 300 vacancies starting in September, to kickstart high-flying careers.
Make UK offers a range of manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships with prestigious companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent and Rolls Royce to young people aged 16 and over. Applicants come from all around the Midlands, with residential placements available for those who live further afield.
At the open day, future apprentices can meet potential employers to find out how to make their application stand out from the crowd and hear about the wide range of opportunities available across the manufacturing sector.
The open day will include a tour of Make UK’s facility which boasts the very latest in robotics and digital technologies. The tour will be delivered by Make UK’s current apprentices who will explain first -hand their own career path and progression.
Attendees can discover what it’s like being a Formula 1 car designer by taking part in a practical F1 in Schools activity, to design and build a miniature racing car using CAD/CAM design tools. There will also be welding and tyre change challenges which show how teamwork enables great outcomes.
Fiona McGarry, engagement manager at Make UK said: “The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the job market, particularly for young people and those from less fortunate backgrounds. Engineering is a lucrative and fun industry to enter and the average engineering apprentice at Make UK earns double the minimum apprentice rate of £4.30 per hour for those aged 16-18 and £4.40 for 19 and over.
“We have a 90% retention rate after graduation, which shows how our apprentices go on to build long-term careers with their employers who sponsor them through their training with us.
“Engineering isn’t just working in a factory. It includes AI, robotics, automation, 3D printing and more. A manufacturer can put people into space, design roller coasters, break the land speed record or build smart cities. There are even roles in areas that most people wouldn’t think of, like media, TV and fashion.”
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of the achievements of apprentices across England. This year’s theme is Build The Future and will focus on highlighting the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses and local communities.
