Careers inspiration at Skills South West

If you managed to visit the Skills Show at the Plymouth Pavilions this week, you would have no doubt seen an abundance of careers, apprenticeship and education stands providing advice and guidance on the next steps into the world of work. We were hard to miss, taking over the entirety of the arena entrance to showcase a variety of our apprenticeship offerings with interactive, hands-on demonstrations.

At the Skills Show- the South West’s largest careers, jobs, skills and apprenticeship event- visitors enjoyed having their hair and nails quaffed and styled by our current apprentices. Those tempted by the construction sector tried their hand at brick laying and plastering, while the Live Art Wall gave anyone interested in painting and decorating the opportunity to indulge their creativity.
The Show offered visitors the chance to meet our experts and apprentices who were on hand to answer any questions and explain how apprenticeships can really provide a viable alternative to university, with a full time job and salary plus on-going training that can help to kick start careers.

Sarah Lloyd, Marketing Manager at Skills Group, said “It was fantastic to meet so many potential learners, their parents and teachers, and highlight how apprenticeships can work for a wide range of individuals no matter their qualifications or situation. We offer a large variety of apprenticeships, from business to hairdressing and engineering to teaching, and it was rewarding to give visitors the chance to experience some of our programmes and help guide their career decisions”.

If you would like to find out more about our range of apprenticeships, please visit here

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School