Once upon a time, apprenticeships were seen as something for school-leaver deemed no academically bright enough for university. They were for those young people who were good with their hands and looking to learn a trade. Perhaps a low point for apprenticeships was the 1980s. Poor take-up saw the government of the time introduce the much-maligned Youth Training Scheme but it attracted both political and social criticism from an early point, with critics claiming that the scheme enabled employers to exploit school-leavers for cheap labour. Furthermore, they believed that the YTS schemes provided little substance in the way of genuine education. In its defence, the government said it was responsible for preventing many young people joining the dole queue after leaving school. In the past few years, youth unemployment has raised its ugly head once again. This time the government solution has been apprenticeships but these “earn while you learn”…

Derbyshire agree stadium rights deal with 3aaa Derbyshire CCC and 3aaa (Aspire Achieve Advance Ltd) have agreed a three year partnership which will see 3aaa, one of the UK’s leading national training providers for Apprenticeships, become Derbyshire’s first ever stadium naming rights partner. The six-figure deal is the largest commercial partnership in the history of the Club. It will see the ground renamed as The 3aaa County Ground (pronounced verbally as The 3a County Ground) as well as 3aaa becoming Derbyshire’s NatWest T20 Blast shirt sponsor. Also, as part of the ground-breaking partnership, 3aaa will provide four high quality, industry experienced apprentices to join Derbyshire’s off-field commercial and administration team. Derbyshire CCC Chief Executive Simon Storey said: "We are absolutely delighted to be entering this innovative partnership with 3aaa. “Our partnership with 3aaa will give their business nationwide exposure, supporting their continued growth as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship…

Well what a week! We’ve had several fantastic events that were hosted, some special guests at some of them and a whole lot of fun for future Apprentices. So let’s take you through the week! Apprenticeship Next kick started National Apprenticeship Week with their launch which was advertised at the Derby Academy Assembly presented on the Monday. The launch took place at the roundhouse and was very successful – Looking forward to the sessions being held this week!  Alongside the Apprenticeship Next launch was the Apprenticeships4England conference which we came back with two brand new shiny awards! We received Gold award for Subcontractor of the Year and Silver award for Provider of the Year! We’re feeling very proud right now.  Wednesday was a pretty busy day for our Manchester Academy as they travelled to the North West Skills Show to try and encourage young people to take on an Apprenticeship…

Award Winners! We're delighted that we've been recognised as 'Provider of the Year' at the Apprenticeships 4 England awards that were held in London this week. At the gala dinner of the Apprenticeships 4 England Annual Conference we won the gold award for our work as a sub contracting Apprenticeship Provider and the silver award as a 'prime' Apprenticeship Provider.  After all of the hard work that we have done with our Apprentices and their Employers over the last year it's great to have been recognised at a national level at awards that were judged by some of the leading figures in the Apprenticeship world. The Apprenticeships 4 England Annual Conference is fast becoming the focal point of the Apprenticeship year and falling, as it does, during National Apprenticeship Week it is a great chance for those of use who are passionate about Apprenticeships to come together to share good…

Our SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM are travelling! #OnTheGo Monday 3rd March: Chelmsford - Do you live in Chelmsford and interested in taking an IT Apprenticeship? We are travelling to the Essex County Hall Jobs Fair, why not pop in and see what we can offer you: 8:30am till 10:30am at Essex County Council Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford CM1 1QH. Tuesday 4th March: Portsmouth - NITP are attending Itchen College (Southampton) Apprenticeship Awareness Event! So if you want to know more about our Portsmouth Academy and what Apprenticeships we can offer you, come down and join us: Tuesday 4th March from 12pm to 5pm. Don’t miss out! Apprenticeship Next (Derby) -  Need help writing your CV or applying for an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeship Next is launching an event in Derby on Tuesday 4th March from 6pm to 7pm, this will be your chance to come down and register for the workshops: Derby College Roundhouse. Milton…