Throughout the week from 5th to 11th February, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC), along with colleges around the country, celebrated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2024.
National Apprenticeship Week brings together those that are passionate about apprenticeships and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the institutions that support them, noting the positive impact they make to communities, organisations and individuals.
NAW 2024 was the 17th annual celebration of apprenticeships and the theme this year was ‘Skills for Life’. On each day throughout the week, students at RuTC were given the opportunity to learn more about different aspects of apprenticeships, the themes included ‘Employer Tuesday,’ ‘Apprentice Wednesday’ and ‘Celebration Friday’.
On Tuesday 6th February, RuTC hosted an employers’ breakfast event in partnership with Richmond Chamber of Commerce, inviting our apprentices' employers along with other guests into the college to learn more about the programme, its successes and explore the many benefits of apprenticeships.
The event was a huge success, with many esteemed attendees, including the Mayor of Richmond - Councillor Suzette Nicholson, HRUC Group Principal and CEO - Keith Smith, Chief Executive of Richmond Chamber of Commerce - Anne Newton. Former RuTC apprentice, Mateusz Spicha, spoke about his experience working at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability and his road to receiving a distinction award as a final grade. Guests also heard from RuTC Principal, Gavin Hughes, on the offerings for apprentices at RuTC and updates on the progress of our new STEM building, which will be ready for our 2024 intake of apprentices.
Other activities included a number of workshops for current RuTC students about the opportunities and benefits of progressing into the world of work as an apprentice.
Learn more about our apprenticeship programme and how to apply here.