Derby College Group is delighted to be playing a significant part in National Apprenticeship Week. The week which runs from the 6th to the 12th of February 2023 is dedicated to the celebration of apprenticeships and supporting the apprentices. It recognises the amazing and positive impact they have on local employers and the local economy.

A packed week is planned for the students, with a full programme of activities including competitions, a market stall style event and an exciting showcase. The week is being supported by numerous employers including Derby Homes, Balfour Beatty, Flowerworld, Derby City Council, Alstom, Hodgkinsons Builders and DHL, all offering a wide range of apprenticeships.

Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at Derby College commented “We are one of the largest colleges in the country and work with around 3000 employers of all sizes and industries. We are committed to helping employers invest in a more professional, skilled and sustainable workforce.

“National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity for us not only to showcase what we have to offer but also to work with some excellent employers to support the students in getting into their chosen career.

“Apprenticeships can unlock doors. The apprentices are emersed in the job every day, and are surrounded by opportunities to learn and progress. It can really put them further ahead in their career.

“And it is so good to see our apprentices develop their skills and gain invaluable on-the-job experience and get the benefits from professional mentoring from people who have a wealth of knowledge in their industry.”

Thousands of our Derby College Groups apprentices go on to excel in their careers including Former Derby College Level 3 Engineering Apprentice Ali Amin, who recently celebrated winning a coveted national apprentice award.

Ali was named Advanced Apprentice of the Year in the 2022 Apprenticeship National Awards which are backed by the UK Government. The awards highlight best practice across recruitment excellence, high quality training practices, diversity and career progression.

Ali works for a medical packaging equipment company Shawpak in Derby and recently began an electro-mechanical engineer degree apprenticeship.

Ali said: “What I achieved at college and at work gave me all the tools I needed to take the next steps in my chosen career. I am grateful for all the input I’ve had from Derby College during my Level 3 apprenticeship.”

Derby College Group offers a range of quality apprenticeships across many industries, from agriculture to business, from construction to dental nursing and from education to engineering. To find out more about our incredible apprenticeships and to see the full list of current vacancies, please visit our website, here:

Apprenticeships