Among today’s regular Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Business Bites event held at the Lakeside Hotel and Spa were two teenagers at the start of their careers.
The chamber and training agency Gen2 collaborate by inviting members of the apprenticeship programme to attend the event.
As well as helping build their confidence and learn more about the kind of opportunities on offer across Cumbria, teenagers are also looking to gain work experience.
Edward and Luke from Ulverston were at the event in Newby Bridge which followed a similar invitation to apprentices to attend an event in Whitehaven.
“It’s good to meet people who might be interested in offering work experience but also to ask about the kind of skills that they need,” Edward, who’s specialising in mechanics, said.
The pair are taking part in the Step in 2 apprenticeships programme, a voluntary term-time scheme which offers a Level 2 nationally recognised qualification.
Jenna Wearing is centre manager at Gen2.
“Last year six apprentices started with us in September but by January all had found apprenticeships,” Jenna said.
“As well as gaining a qualification we also help with CV writing and interview techniques.
“Coming to an event like Business Bites not only helps build their confidence but also shows how networking – which can be daunting as a teenager – can lead to offers of work experience.”
With around 50 people at today’s event both apprentices said they had learned more about routes into work and were confident of taking their first step into employment.
