A TRIO of young professionals from Worcester organised an event in the city to help raise awareness of apprenticeships for local schools and businesses. Apprentifix was hosted by two former apprentices and a graduate trainee from housing and care provider Sanctuary Group at its headquarters in Castle Street. With the aid of Fixers, a charity which helps young people get their voices heard, the event provided an opportunity to learn about apprenticeship schemes in Worcestershire and the opportunities available.

Speakers included representatives from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Apprenticeship Service and Worcestershire Group Training Association, as well as a number of apprentices and former apprentices from local businesses. Worcester MP Robin Walker MP encouraged the young professionals’ efforts by putting together a short video for the event which outlined the benefits of apprenticeships to employers.

Meera Murali, one of Sanctuary’s graduate trainees and co-organiser of the event along with colleagues Jade King and Beth Connor, said: “We are extremely pleased with how well the Apprentifix event went as it was evident our guests were genuinely interested in the stories and messages our speakers delivered. We really hope that people will spread the message about apprenticeships in the county further, and that our Apprentifix films and event will help and inspire employers and young people to look at apprenticeships as a serious route into meaningful employment.”

Sanctuary has provided £75,000 funding to Fixers to support projects for residents and staff in locations across England and Scotland, which are led by young people aged 16 – 25.