FROM care to construction, butchery to logistics, the opportunities available to people young and old looking to pursue something new are boundless - and the Somerset Skills and Apprenticeships Show is here to help.

A raft of experts at the event will be able to give valuable advice on how to go about pursuing your dream career.

The event comes at an opportune moment, following on from the 10th National Apprenticeship Week, which recognised the opportunities available - and those taking them on - across the country. 

Perhaps nowhere are such opportunities more valuable than in communities such as Somerset.


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And during a recent visit to the county, Skills and Apprenticeships Minister, Robert Halfon MP, praised those offering apprenticeships.

“Apprentices are earning while they are learning – some are doing degree apprenticeships where they are guaranteed jobs at the end,” he said.

“These courses give them the chance to get skills, get training and that will lead to jobs and prosperity in the future.”

Also in Somerset recently was Sue Husband, a director of the National Apprenticeship Service, who spoke of the benefits to employee and employer of the courses.

She said: “Apprentices are on the path to a great career with an apprenticeship; and for employers, apprenticeships bring opportunity: to attract new talent, to offer progression for current staff, and to develop a motivated and highly qualified workforce. 

“With apprenticeships available in 1,500 job roles and covering more than 170 industries – there has never been a better time to get involved in apprenticeships.”


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In the recent Budget, the Government pledged £500m for new, technical routes to rival A Levels, which is set to open up even more opportunities in the field of training and apprenticeships.

And editor of the Bridgwater Mercury, Paul Jones, said the show aimed to give visitors a real insight into the wealth of opportunities on offer across the county.

“In a rapidly-changing world, people require many new skills - but they need to know how and where to find them,” he said.

“That is what this event is all about - helping people find a route to the skills and professions they need in order to pursue their career - and life - goals.”