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European Vocational Skills Week
  • News announcement
  • 7 January 2019
  • Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
  • 1 min read

“It is vital for the voices of apprentices to be heard”

apprentice

I worked as an engineering apprentice for a pharmaceuticals manufacturer in North Wales for four years. I’m now part of the National Society of Apprentices in the UK.

It was during my apprenticeship that I attended college through a training provider, and subsequently became involved in the National Union of Students, which has taken me to where I am today.

I decided to attend European Vocational Skills Week 2018 because I believe it is vital for the voices of apprentices to be heard. They are the best judge of what education and training they need in order to develop and secure their professional futures.

Being here provides a platform on a European level as well as a great opportunity to share best practices and ways to enhance the apprenticeship experience for future generations. All whilst still influencing other European representatives in the ways they deliver apprenticeship schemes.

The real benefit of attending Skills Week is the learnings I have taken away with me to improve training and education, and gaining an understanding of various sectors across Europe.

I believe young people need to be more involved in bringing progressive ideas forward, and in that spirit it would be a huge benefit for adults to engage too. This will inform them on how they can best support apprentices in the workplace.

Alex Rowlinson

Details

Involvements
  • Apprentice
  • Student