Apprentices share views and enjoy networking opportunities at college conference

Over 80 apprentices gaining qualifications through Walsall College came together for National Apprenticeship Week to share feedback and ideas about their training, wider college experience and career progression.

The Apprentice Voice conference saw apprentices in automotive, construction, business administration and dental nursing among other areas discuss the ways they felt they were stretched in their learning, enjoyed access to suitable resources and support and were aware of facilities, social events and activities on campus.

All views shared were collated by the college’s Apprenticeship Delivery and Senior Leadership teams to help develop and improve the overall apprentice experience for those currently at the college and future learners.

Guest speaker, Antony Adams of Careersbiz took the apprentices through a skills wheel exercise to help them better plan their self-development and achieve future personal and professional goals.

Dental nurse apprentice, Lauren Dodd said she found the event to be informative.

“It was good to discuss ideas with everyone and see that I’m not the only one on this type of training journey,” she said.  “I also found it useful talking through our career development options.  I know about the job roles open to me in future but not so much about the different ways I might find and take up these opportunities.”