KEIGHLEY College is showcasing the benefits of apprenticeships.

To tie in with National Apprenticeship Week, which starts on Monday (February 5), the Bradford Road campus is encouraging more people to consider the career route.

And it has joined forces with other education and skills providers in the district to organise an event highlighting the range of apprenticeships available.

School leavers and other young people are descending on Victoria Hall, Saltaire, next Thursday (February 8), between 11am and 3pm, where they can talk directly to employers from a variety of sectors – including manufacturing and engineering, IT and digital, health and social care, and construction – about what's on offer.

Also involved in the initiative are Shipley and Bradford colleges, the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, SkillsHouse and Bradford Council.

Clare Fitzgerald, head of stakeholder engagement at Keighley College, says: "Apprenticeships are not just about job placements, they are key drivers of economic vitality.

"By fostering a skilled workforce, apprenticeships contribute to innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth. They serve as dynamic pathways, not only unlocking individual potential but also fortifying the foundation of our economy by nurturing a pipeline of talented professionals ready to make meaningful contributions."

In addition, the college will next week welcome representatives of companies including Teconnex, Spooner Industries, Fives Landis and J Stell & Son to speak to students interested in apprenticeships.

And two panels will give people a chance to ask current apprentices about their experiences.

Keighley College – which had just 30 apprentices six years ago – is now recognised as one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the district, with more than 400.

And it works closely with over 200 employers, including Airedale Hospital and Produmax, to provide and train apprentices.

The importance of apprenticeships has been discussed at an event organised by the Chartered Management Institute and attended by regional business leaders.

Amongst those present was West Yorkshire mayor, Tracy Brabin.

She said: "Apprenticeships can offer a fantastic pathway into all sorts of careers, and I’ve been delighted to meet dozens of brilliant apprentices with bright futures from across our region.

"Unfortunately under the national system we’ve seen apprenticeships fall, therefore we need more devolution to support our young people – particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds – into great careers.

"Whilst we’ve been able to help fund over 500 extra places, we need Government to review the system and back our plans for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire."