With just one week to go until the South Bristol Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, the full list of exhibitors has been unveiled.
The fair, which takes place at City of Bristol College’s South Bristol Skills Academy in Hengrove from 11am-3pm on Thursday 27 February, brings together some of the city’s biggest employers, training providers and organisations that support people with apprenticeships.
From public sector services such as Avon & Somerset Police, HMRC and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust to key local businesses including Babcock International, Fowlers motorcycle dealership and Jeffway Electrical Services, recruiters and apprentices will be on hand to talk about the opportunities available (see below for full list).
Organised by Bristol South MP Karin Smyth in partnership with City of Bristol College, Bristol City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, the event is the only one of its kind in South Bristol.
Karin says: “I’ve been organising this event with the college for four years now and each year we see new employers and organisations coming on board. We’ve got a good mix of employers from Bristol South and beyond and the colleges and support agencies which can help you with your career. It’s one of the highlights of the year for me – a chance to talk to employers and apprentices as well as parents, grandparents and students and learn more about their experiences.”
Award-winning apprentice Jess Perrett completed a carpentry apprenticeship with On Site and Bristol City Council. She is now working towards a higher national certificate in construction.
The 25-year-old from Knowle said: “I wanted to do an apprenticeship because I wasn’t enjoying my A levels and wanted to try something else that’s wasn’t classroom based and a more practical hands on approach. The knowledge I have gained is not only applicable to my work life but to my home life. With this insight, I’ve managed to renovate two properties and about to start my third.”
21st Century Building Services which also takes on apprentices via On Site explains how apprenticeships are of benefit to them.
Claire Stockham, from the Bedminster based business, said: “As a business we have always appreciated the value of training and developing our employees and have found this has contributes greatly to having such a committed and loyal team. Our Managing Director started as an apprentice and has invested in apprenticeships from day one of the business. Being able to find the right people and help them train and develop means we can ensure that we have the very best people working for us.”
Andy Forbes, Principal of City of Bristol College, which helps train hundreds of apprentices each year and has just started work on a new Advanced Construction Skills Centre, added: “We are really looking forward to welcoming such a wide range of employers to our South Bristol Skills Academy. Apprenticeships at City of Bristol College have so much to offer. The chance to earn money while you learn is an attractive option, and in many areas you can now do apprenticeships right up to university level. Hope to see you there!”
For more information, visit: www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/news/south-bristol-jobs-and-apprenticeships-fair-returns-for-2020
Exhibitor list:
Bristol Airport (Alpha LSG Sky Chefs, Moneycorp, Swissport and others)
Hayes Parsons Insurance Broker
Mitie Technical Facilities Management
Orridge Stocktaking and Supply Chain Solutions
Sodexo catering based at Clifton College