Region’s best companies to compete in inaugural Apprenticeship Games

The South West is set to host a ground-breaking event for apprentices and their employers, which will test them in a day of challenges and competition.

The inaugural Apprenticeship Games will pitch companies against each other in a bid to find the region’s ‘Apprentice Team of the Year’, who will be handed the games’ specially designed apprenticeship torch.

Taking place at Cornwall College St Austell during National Apprenticeship Week 2018 in March, teams from the South West’s leading employers will compete in a series of exciting, interactive challenges to showcase their skills developed by engaging with young people and businesses from across the region.

Group director of development at The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) and head of Cornwall College Business (CCB) Sally Foard, said the idea was to create a fun and engaging event that cut through the noise created by the new apprenticeship structures.

“This is about different businesses and apprentices representing a wealth of vital sectors for the region’s economy coming together to celebrate the thing they all have in common, an understanding of the value of apprenticeships,” she explained.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages to earn while they learn, with opportunities to progress to a degree-level qualification. At CCB we see so many apprentices develop into outstanding employees, and this event is a great way for employers and apprentices to showcase the skills they’ve developed along their journey.”

The day will also be hosting a networking lunch to give businesses and sponsors the opportunity to engage and share their stories.

As well as the gold, silver and bronze awards up for grabs, the challenges are designed to put the team’s leadership, teamwork and communication skills to the test, with judges awarding those who have best demonstrated these skills on the day.

“The challenges will test a variety of skills, including problem-solving, gaming, general knowledge and even culinary,” Sally added.

Apprentices of all ages are encouraged to apply, including current apprentices, line managers of apprentices and those who have completed an apprenticeship within the last five years, from any training provider. Teams will be made up of four members, and businesses can choose to enter more than one team if they so wish.

To find out more about The Apprenticeship Games 2018 or to find out how to enter a team, please visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/apprenticeshipgames