Sam is a star apprentice (From Salisbury Journal)

Sam is a star apprentice

12:51pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Business By Corey Ross

AN apprentice from Salisbury is starring in a new film encouraging more young people to explore apprenticeship opportunities.

Sam Parker, who is a marine electrics advanced apprentice at Berthon Boat Company in Lymington, stars in the film with three other apprentices from UKbased manufacturing and engineering companies.

The film highlights the breadth of skills developed during an apprenticeship and the importance of the sector to the economy and the four talk about their experience and how an apprenticeship has benefitted them.

Sam, 24, who went to Trafalgar School at Downton, said: “My apprenticeship has given me an amazing opportunity to achieve a well-respected qualification, as well as gain valuable experience in an innovative, high growth industry.

"Within manufacturing and engineering there are so many different types of jobs, for all sorts of people. I hope the film will highlight to other young people just how rewarding an apprenticeship is and encourage them to investigate the options available.”

Semta, the Sector Skills Council for the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sectors, is encouraging employers to promote the film and it will be used by the National Apprenticeship Service in resource packs for schools.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive at Semta, said: “The sector needs to recruit 82,000 people just to cover retirements up to 2016. Apprenticeships are key to tackling this issue, providing individuals with the advanced skills and experience to not only set them on a successful career path, but also help ensure growth in what is one of the UK’s priority sectors.”

To view the film go to www.apprentice.tv.

For more information on apprenticeships visit apprenticeships.org.uk.