National Apprenticeship Week celebrates Sheffield apprentices building the future

National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Sunday, showcases the positive

impact of apprenticeships on communities, local businesses and regional economies.

The theme for this year is ‘build the future’. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic,

National Apprenticeship Week is also recognise how apprentices have helped

employers adapt and build during a difficult year.

Andrew Hartley, executive director of commercial and o perations at The Sheffield

College, said: “Further education colleges are at the forefront of the skills led

recovery from the pandemic and apprenticeships will play a vital role in that.”

He added: “Apprenticeships are a great way for learners to develop the skills to go

further in their careers.

‘"Employers benefit from having a talent pipeline that they can mould to the needs of the business.”

One learner who has continued developing their skills during the pandemic is apprentice Estelle Smith, who joined the internal sales department at leading manufacturer Gripple after leaving school at 16.

The 21-year-old is completing a four-year business administration apprenticeship

programme and is responsible for administering agricultural orders across Europe.

Estelle recently won the regional Business Apprentice of the Year: Final Year

category in the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2020 for making a significant

contribution to Gripple’s business activities.

She said: “I feel really proud. It is brilliant that my employer has recognised my

hard work.

"Through the apprenticeship programme, I have gained confidence and

knowledge which has developed me as an individual and enabled me to make an

increasing contribution to my team.”

She added: “Gripple is a company which encourages its staff to grow and develop. I

have been earmarked for the next cohort of staff who will undertake the future

leaders programme.

"This will expose me to all aspects of what is required to run a business.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.