'˜It's been a life-changing experience' '“ apprentices talk about their roles on National Apprenticeship Week

BUSINESSES, schools and colleges are promoting the value of apprenticeships as they celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, which starts today.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Mar 2016, 05:55 BST
From left, Patsy Harvey (21) and Amy Barrett (21) are both apprentices at the Kings Theatre, they have been working at the theatre for the past year while studying for qualifications. Picture: Allan Hutchings (160395-903)From left, Patsy Harvey (21) and Amy Barrett (21) are both apprentices at the Kings Theatre, they have been working at the theatre for the past year while studying for qualifications. Picture: Allan Hutchings (160395-903)
From left, Patsy Harvey (21) and Amy Barrett (21) are both apprentices at the Kings Theatre, they have been working at the theatre for the past year while studying for qualifications. Picture: Allan Hutchings (160395-903)

The week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

One place which has seen success with its apprenticeship scheme is The Kings Theatre, in Albert Road, Southsea.

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Two girls in particular – Patsy Harvey and Amy Barrett – have excelled in their roles.

Patsy, from Southsea, became a sales manager three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

The 21-year-old said: ‘I love working at the theatre because you get to meet so many different characters.’

Amy, from Havant, is the assistant duty manager and she started last July.

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The 21-year-old said: ‘Thanks to the apprenticeship I found my perfect job. It has been a life-changing experience. I’d recommend it to everyone.’

Senior duty manager Terence Carvalho praised both Patsy and Amy, and the scheme.

He said: ‘Apprenticeships are a great place to learn.’

Other businesses hailing the value of apprentices include Barratt Developments.

The company supports the campaign and has opened up positions for new apprentices in the region, including bricklayers and carpenters at its developments across Portsmouth.

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Barratt’s manager Anthony Dimmick said: ‘Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and we’ve seen that first-hand, with the number of young people applying for our programme rising year-on-year.’

Hundreds of events will be taking place across the country during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until March 18. For more on the scheme at Barratt’s go to barrattfuturetalent.co.uk

Related topics:Barratt Developments