AN EVENT to raise awareness of the importance of Apprenticeships amongst black, minority and ethnic (BME) employers and individuals throughout the Ellesmere Port and Chester area attracted more than 30 attendees.

While around 240,000 people started an Apprenticeship nationally last year, just 7% were from BME groups.

West Cheshire College worked in partnership with the Northwest Provider Network and Chester Asian Council to plan the event, the first of three such events.

College Partnership Advisor Emma Worthington said: "The event was a great success and provided us with an opportunity to raise awareness of Apprenticeship opportunities and dispel some of the myths surrounding these programmes.

"It also provided people with an opportunity to talk to current Apprentices and their employers, talk to sector experts and network with other businesses."

Two more events are being planned for later in the year. To find out more about the Apprenticeship programme, call the Apprenticeship Team on 01244 670499.

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Pic caption

Reach role model Mark Sutherland, National Apprenticeship Service’s Peter Finney, speaker Rushi Munshi and Apprentice Dalton Hallal at the BME Apprenticeship event.

For further information contact Penny Pallett on 01244 350583 (landline) 07880 717983 (mobile) or email pr@west-cheshire.ac.uk