Over 1,000 people had the chance to network with employers at the Bath College Futures Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair on Wednesday at the Assembly Rooms.

There were 86 stands of prospective employers at the fair, which was attended by schools, young people, parents and members of the public. The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Ian Gilchrist, came to the event and spoke to College staff, local businesses and successful apprentices.

Event sponsors Wessex Inspiration Network (WIN), The Bath Building Society, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Hotel Indigo, Skills West, Dimensions and Gradwell all had stands at the fair and were interacting with potential apprentices in the Octagon. There were career advisors from Bath College Futures team on hand to help with applications and CVs and give advice on interviews.

Event organiser, Lucy Beattie, said: “The fair keeps growing year on year and we have lots of new employers joining us. This year, we had companies offering some really exciting apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 right up to degree level.

“These include a customer service apprenticeship with The Bath Building Society, a healthcare apprenticeship with Dimensions and new opportunities with Hotel Indigo.”

Katherine Banks, at Bath Building Society, explained the importance of apprentices: “We really like to help people to grow, developing their skills and moulding them in to what is required.”

Wessex Water have four apprentices working for them, including Kuani Blow, who was studying Business at Bath College. Kuani said: “I found hands-on learning a beneficial approach for me, and I love doing the business apprenticeship at Wessex Water.”

For more information about apprenticeships, please visit: www.bathcollege.ac.uk/study-with-us/apprenticeships, call: 01225 328687 or email: [email protected]