Eluned Parrott AM during her “Day in the life of an apprenticeship’ at British Airways” last summer
On the day that applications to the UK’s Universities close for another year, Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member is encouraging young people who’ve opted not to go to University to consider an apprenticeship.
Commenting, Eluned Parrott AM said:
“Whilst many young people will feel that University is the obvious next step, others may find that an apprenticeship could open a whole range of jobs and opportunities which they might otherwise miss.
“Going to university can be a hugely rewarding experience, but an apprenticeship can be just as, if not more rewarding. I believe that we could do more to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships as a passport to the career of their choice.
“While well-established widening access schemes and a single application process help make the route to university as seamless as possible, neither of these things are available for prospective apprentices. I think that should change. I have asked The Welsh Government to introduce a schools’ liaison programme and a UCAS style application process to level the playing field between the two routes.
“Last summer I spent a day working as an apprentice at the British Airways Maintenance Centre at Cardiff Airport and I found the whole experience extremely valuable. Not only did I get to learn new skills and different engineering techniques, but I was also able to talk to workers of all ages and backgrounds and see how much an apprenticeship placement can offer. I want to see young people in Wales given as much advice and support on apprenticeships as they are on applying to universities.”
