THE BENEFITS of apprenticeships will be highlighted at events running in East Sussex.

The Sussex Council of Training Providers, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, are holding Apprenticeship Roadshows in Hastings and Eastbourne this summer.

Attendees will be able to find out more about traineeships and apprenticeships – from pre-employment to higher and degree level apprenticeships – and meet local employers, training providers and current apprentices.

There will also be expert panel Q&A sessions when apprentices, apprenticeship employers and training providers will share their experiences, as well as the opportunity to speak to employers and providers about live vacancies.

The free events are being held at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings on Wednesday, June 21, and at the Welcome Building, Eastbourne on Wednesday, July 12. Both events run from 4.30pm until 6.30pm.

Sarah-Jane Leyland attended last year’s roadshow to find out more about the opportunities available to her after 10 years out of work and caring for her mother.

Sarah-Jane said: “I was considering doing an apprenticeship as I was looking for a career change. I have a degree in Law and Criminology but a few years after I graduated, my mother suffered a stroke and I became her full-time carer.

“We had 10 really great years together but unfortunately she passed away a couple of years ago, and I started thinking about doing an apprenticeship in order to get back on the employment ladder.”

At the roadshow Sarah-Jane found out more about apprenticeships offered at East Sussex County Council and subsequently successfully applied for a Business Administration Apprenticeship in the council’s Children’s Services department.

Sarah-Jane continued: “I got a lot out of attending the roadshow. It was really interesting to see the variety of apprenticeships on offer and ask lots of questions.

“I am now eight months into an 18-month apprenticeship and have been able to develop a lot of skills that I can take with me in my future career.

“I know after this apprenticeship I will be able to state with confidence that I have the experience needed when applying for future jobs and I will also receive a level 3 qualification.”

Each year over 2,500 apprentices start in East Sussex, providing excellent opportunities for young people beginning their careers and new routes for employees wanting to change direction.

Cllr Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability, said: “Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while you learn and are a fantastic way to gain qualifications and training as well as valuable on-the-job experience.

“The summer roadshows will offer young people, job seekers and those looking to change their career the chance to speak to advisers and current apprentices so they can make informed choices and find the right path for them.”

East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, Technoturn, Howdens, The Lansdowne Hotel, and Bowmer & Kirkland will be among those at the roadshows promoting their apprenticeship opportunities.

Registration for the events is free but spaces are limited. For further information and to register for either event visit www.careerseastsussex.co.uk/roadshow2023

Employers who would like the opportunity to advertise their vacancies at the roadshows are asked to contact transformroadshow@sctp.org.uk