Designed and hosted by the Matrix Social Value Team, this initiative aims to provide clear, honest insights into apprenticeships while dispelling common misconceptions.
The workshops – running around the UK throughout National Apprenticeship Week - will offer participants a comprehensive overview of apprenticeships, covering key topics such as the combination of study and work, salary expectations and career progression opportunities. Apprenticeships remain a powerful career pathway with qualifications available from GCSE-equivalent levels up to full degree certifications. This year’s sessions will continue to highlight the breadth of industries covered by apprenticeships, including business, healthcare and engineering - alongside less commonly known fields such as accountancy and even zookeeping.
Jodie Champaneria, Senior Social Value Officer at Matrix, commented, “Apprenticeships open doors to fantastic career opportunities, yet many misconceptions still exist. Our goal is to empower individuals from the age of 16 with accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their future. We’re thrilled to be working with a range of organisations and partners this year to bring these myth-busting workshops to even more people. The theme of National Apprenticeship Week this year is Skills For Life and Matrix’s Social Value team are committed to giving people skills for life whilst connecting people to work.”
A range of informal workshops and events will take place as part of this initiative, in partnerships with local councils, charities and colleges to support individuals in enhancing their employability skills. Activities will include interview success workshops, decision-making sessions, employability masterclasses and LinkedIn enhancement classes, offered both virtually and in person.
The week kicks off on Monday, February 10th, with the Myth-Busting Apprenticeship Workshops, featuring sessions for partners across various communities, including The Capital City College Group and Mind in Hillingdon. Additional workshops will be held at Lewisham’s Elevate100 Hub and New City College, with virtual participation also available. On Tuesday, Matrix will lead Myth-Busting Apprenticeships and Decision-Making workshops for YMCA and Thurrock Council, alongside a careers fair at Harrogate College. Midweek will see the employability masterclasses, LinkedIn workshops and apprenticeship insight sessions taking place at Islington Council and the City of London Academy. Finally, on Thursday, Matrix will be part of Islington Council’s ‘Step into Apprenticeships’ event and will engage with sixth-form students at St Aloysius, wrapping up a week dedicated to empowering individuals with essential career skills.
Champaneria concludes, “It’s going to be a busy but exciting week and this initiative emphasises our commitment to supporting individuals in making well-informed career choices and we are so excited to be part of another impactful National Apprenticeship Week”.
