Gary Poulton from BBC’s hit show The Apprentice has recently become an ambassador for Solihull College & University Centre’s Apprenticeship programmes.
Gary, who lives in Marston Green, Solihull shot to fame on the most recent BBC One series where he made it to the penultimate week and just missed out on a place in the final. Since leaving The Apprentice process Gary has begun working on new ventures including now working as a Property Programme Manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants and most recently working with Solihull College & University where he will be the leading ambassador for the apprenticeship programmes.
Gary commented “Having tackled the boardroom, it will be an honour to represent Solihull College & University Centre as an ambassador for the apprenticeship programme. Working with Solihull College and supporting businesses, it is a fantastic opportunity to create awareness and promote such a fantastic scheme, particularly within the local Solihull and surrounding Birmingham area.”
With apprenticeships already proving to be a great success at Solihull College & University Centre, as many apprentices have since secured full time employment post-apprenticeship in organisations such as The NEC and Solihull Council, the apprenticeship programme at Solihull College is looking to grow and become even more successful with the help of ambassadors such as Gary. Gary’s appointment as a brand ambassador falls just before apprenticeship week which is schedules to take place between 14th – 18th March.
Apprenticeships are high on the agenda for the government currently and are something that can not only be greatly beneficial to learners but also to the businesses who offer the apprenticeship scheme. Students can gain valuable work experience, learn all the necessary skills to go into a specific industry, achieve a recognised qualification and earn a wage whilst doing so. In return businesses can gain a talented, dedicated and professional apprentice who is keen to learn and will add to their future workforce. Statistics show that 88% of employers believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce (Statistics taken from a study conducted on behalf of Skills Funding Agency).
With apprenticeships available across many sectors including computing, customer service, engineering and retail amongst many others apprenticeships could be the next step to gaining the career that individual’s desire as well as a way to add and improve to a businesses workforce.
Principal of Solihull College & University Centre, John Callaghan comments: “Apprenticeships are an integral part of the education system and are greatly beneficial for both our students and local businesses. We are always looking for ways in which we can further increase our apprenticeship provision and having people such as Gary, who recently featured in Lord Sugar’s “The Apprentice” programme, backing our initiative is really positive. As a College we are looking forward to promoting apprenticeships as a serious alternative which allows apprentices to earn as they learn.”
For more information on the apprenticeships available for students or businesses please visit the apprenticeship page.
