Somerset Chamber is encouraging school leavers to consider the wealth of apprenticeships on offer within the county, providing a valuable opportunity to gain new skills and ‘earn while they learn’.
Speaking on A Level results day, Somerset Chamber Chief Executive, Dale Edwards, said, “Our congratulations to all those students across the county who have been successful in their A Levels.
“Whilst many will have reached their personal goals, others may not have achieved what they had hoped for on this occasion. To those students, I would like to reassure them that although they may feel a little disheartened today, there are plenty of exciting opportunities on offer here in Somerset.
“There is often a rather unbalanced focus on gaining academic qualifications at this point in their lives, yet the reality is that many businesses in Somerset are actively looking to employ young people now and train them up to become the managers and leaders of the future.
“Apprenticeships in particular offer a great avenue for career development, teaching valuable skills and offering a salary at the same time, so that young people can earn while they learn. Over the last three years, Somerset Chamber has recruited three advanced apprentices including our latest, Gracie Greenslade, who has recently joined the team. As I’m sure they would agree, an apprenticeship offers a great way to get involved in a business, continue developing your skills and make good headway in your career.
“We have some fantastic colleges here in Somerset, including Bridgwater & Taunton, Yeovil, Weston, Strode and Richard Huish, so I’d recommend that anyone considering their next move following their A Levels gets in touch with their nearest college to discuss the many options available to them.”
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is one of only five accredited Chambers in the South West and 52 in the whole of the UK. It works closely with the British Chambers of Commerce to make sure Somerset businesses stay well connected at both a local and national level, and that the voices of the Somerset business community are heard at all levels of government.