Next week marks National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships and the vital role they play in developing future talent, strengthening local businesses and creating clear pathways into rewarding careers.
Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain real-world experience, and develop industry-specific skills that employers value. For the Isle of Wight, they are a crucial part of building a skilled, resilient workforce and supporting the Island’s economy to grow and thrive.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the Apprenticeship Roadshow will be visiting schools across the Isle of Wight, giving pupils the opportunity to explore the wide range of apprenticeship options available locally and beyond. The sessions will be delivered by current apprentices, providing pupils with first-hand insight into what apprenticeships are really like and the different pathways available after leaving school.
The Apprenticeship Bus programme is being organised by Ekine Fernandez Lane from the Solent Careers Hub, bringing together employers, apprentices and schools to ensure young people receive high-quality, impartial careers information at the right time.
One of the apprentices taking part in the school visits is Lewis, an Engineering Apprentice at Johnson Electric, who will be sharing his own journey into the world of engineering. Lewis’ interest in engineering began while he was a pupil at Ryde Academy, where hands-on STEM activities and challenges helped spark his passion for problem-solving and practical design. After completing his GCSEs and an Engineering T Level at CECAMM College, Lewis progressed into a full-time engineering apprenticeship at Johnson Electric, where he now works on real projects while continuing his studies one day a week.
Lewis is proud to act as an apprentice ambassador, inspiring the next generation by showing what is possible through apprenticeships and how they can lead to long-term, fulfilling careers.
We’re pleased to see the growing number of apprenticeship opportunities available across the Isle of Wight, with recent recruitment drives from employers including NHS IW, GKN, Britten-Norman, Yokogawa and HAHA Hair Training College. We’re proud to support initiatives that connect young people with local employers. National Apprenticeship Week is an important reminder of the value apprentices bring – not only to businesses, but to the wider Island community.