National Apprenticeship Week 2020 has been a great celebration of our apprentices and employers. Co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, it’s a focal point in the calendar year to showcase all that apprenticeships have to offer.
We’ve been really excited about this year’s theme, ‘Look Beyond’, which celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across the country. It’s a theme that’s close to our hearts at Damar. For 40 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to break down barriers and extend the reach of our apprenticeships. So how do we ‘look beyond’?
- We look beyond the old preconceptions around what an apprentice looks like and who apprenticeships are for. At Damar, we work with people of all ages and at different stages of their career; from those looking for their first role on the ladder, to those seeking career development or a change in direction. With a wide range of qualifications from level 2 to level 6, Damar apprenticeships can cater for all.
- We look beyond traditional routes into employment. Damar were at the forefront of developing the legal apprenticeship route, offering a genuine alternative to graduate entry for individuals and employers. We also offer entry routes to the police, NHS and civil service as well as sectors such as finance and travel.
- We look beyond perceived barriers for individuals. Personal circumstances, disabilities, physical and mental health issues, education and prior experience or education may all provide challenges, but they shouldn’t be a barrier. At Damar we have a proud history of finding people employment and supporting their development, regardless of such challenges – something we celebrate each year with our Mark Aspinall award.
- We look beyond a single apprenticeship qualification. We’re specialists in developing complex, tailored programmes for employers around their internal mission, values and ways of working. For individuals we look at long-term career development and progression, rather than a short-term fix.
So, if you’re an individual, wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you; a large employer, unsure how to get the best return on your levy investment; an SME, that hasn’t considered recruiting an apprentice before; or a parent, confused about the various options for your son or daughter, then check out our website to see how Damar can help you achieve your full potential.