National Apprenticeship Week 2024

Today is the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024 – a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is “Skills For Life”. This reflects the potential of apprenticeships to equip apprentices with not just job-specific skills, but also a broader set of competencies that develop longer term resilience and adaptability.

DriveWorks employs a degree apprentice, Joseph Chadwick, who is studying a BSc degree apprenticeship in Digital & Technology Solutions at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). Joseph combines working in the Development team at DriveWorks with one day each week spent in lectures at MMU.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, Joseph is returning to his high school to present to students about his experience as an apprentice and how they could follow a similar path.

Apprenticeships at DriveWorks – From An Apprentice’s Perspective

I’m getting to apply the experience I gained from programming games as a hobby to develop professional software for real-world design automation solutions.

Because DriveWorks has a graduate scheme, there are other students working in the business too. I get the best of both worlds as I’m meeting new people at work and at university and because I’m earning my own money, I can do social stuff with both groups.

I like the DriveWorks products and the technology, I like the people and I like the coffee!

Joseph Chadwick  – DriveWorks Degree Apprentice

Apprenticeships at DriveWorks – From An Employer’s Perspective

For us degree apprenticeships are a win-win.

There’s obviously a funding benefit element to it, but it’s so much more than that. We’re creating a pipeline for talent by recruiting high-calibre future managers who are more likely to want to stay with DriveWorks after they’ve graduated.

As Joseph progresses with his degree course he’ll be able to share fresh ideas and new ways of thinking with his DriveWorks colleagues. And in terms of positive impact on the wider team, we’ve already seen a “halo effect” in the development of other team members who are working alongside him.

DriveWorks has a long history of supporting young people. Our support for young people covers:

• introducing careers into STEM subjects at school
• work experience placements for Year 10 & 11 students
• a successful university placement programme for students in their 3^rd year at university
• delivering guest university lectures on careers in engineering and computing
• a certification programme for students to learn about automation

We’re Hiring for Our Next Apprentice

As we’ve already seen such great success with our first apprentice, we are have opened up another apprenticeship opportunity in our team and are now hiring for an IT Apprentice.

This is an entry level role for someone wanting to get started in their IT career. Full training and support will be provided.
Technology is at the heart of our business, and our people are our greatest asset. This role is an exciting opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic, supportive, and innovative working environment. You’ll be in good company as our people are industry experts, and we love to share our knowledge!

This is a permanent role and includes an 18-month Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship qualification provided by Warrington and Vale College or St Helens College.

Learn more and apply here.

National Apprenticeship Week Resources

This National Apprenticeship week, Careers Live are working with schools, colleges, teachers, students, employers, parents and apprentices to make the NAW week a huge success.

Each day they are hosting live broadcasts and interactive chats with apprentices from a range of companies. They have also provided downloadable reources and useful guides for anyone interested in learning more about apprenticeships, and starting the application process.