Find out more at apprenticeship fair in Banbury

In partnership with Oxfordshire Apprenticeships and local schools, the event will be from 6.30pm-8pm and takes place during National Apprenticeship Week, giving young people and families the perfect opportunity to find out about apprenticeships and meet local businesses and training providers.

Former North Oxfordshire Academy student Emma Farrow, 18, has always been interested in law and knew she wanted to pursue a legal career after completing her A Levels.

She said: “I am more of a practical than theoretical learner and so didn’t really enjoy the research side of my A Levels. I applied to study law at university whilst also investigating alternative pathways

into a legal career.

“My dad suggested that a legal apprenticeship might suit my learning style better than a university degree and might be the best route for me.”

Emma came to the North Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Fair last March, where she visited the Brethertons Solicitors stand.

She had the opportunity to talk to legal apprentice Edward Arnold and find out all about Brethertons’ Apprenticeship scheme from HR partner Deborah Atkins.

Emma decided to apply for the apprenticeship and joined the firm three months later.

On the day young people will also get the chance to ask any questions of apprenticeships experts and chat with apprentices about their experiences.

There will be information on how to apply for apprenticeship vacancies available for anyone who’s looking to start an apprenticeship, as well as general information for those wanting to find out more as they start to consider their career options.

The event also gives local businesses the opportunity to meet the local talent pool and showcase the opportunities they have to offer young people.

Emma said: “I had doubts about attending university and was excited to see other opportunities open up for me through different routes into the profession such as apprenticeships. I would advise a young person not to just go for the conventional route - look at both the apprenticeship and university routes and don’t rule anything out. Different learning styles suit different people.”

Deborah Atkins, HR partner at Brethertons, added: “We like nothing better than to employ local people and attending the North Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Fair gives us the opportunity to meet interested young people like Emma.

“Our Apprenticeship programme serves to nurture and give real opportunities aligned to our firm’s ethos, culture and strategies – in management, business administration & law. Apprentices are able to “learn as they work” and embark upon a progressive and rewarding career track.”

Oxfordshire Apprenticeships is a joint initiative between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, funded by Oxfordshire City Deal.

They aim to help young people and their families make sense of Apprenticeships and also support businesses with employing an Apprentice.

To find out more, visit www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk