A BASINGSTOKE college is hosting an event during National Apprenticeship Week to bring together employers and young people in the area.

Employers will have the chance to promote their business and find out how apprenticeships are benefitting companies and individuals throughout the UK at the event on Monday, March 7 at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT).

The open day, at the college in Worting Road, will also promote upcoming apprenticeship vacancies, offer the chance to learn more about apprenticeship funding and grants available, allow businesses to showcase their company and current apprentices as exhibitors, provide information on why every businesses needs an apprentice and share good practice with other employers.

Middlesex Group, in Basingstoke, has been training apprentices for more than 70 years.

It currently employs nine young people, who have the opportunity to train right up to degree level if they choose.

Chris Page, an apprentice with Middlesex Group, said: "After school I went to college to study A levels but straight away knew this just wasn't for me. I looked into careers in engineering and saw that it was a growing market which had a real shortage of skilled, qualified workers. The career opportunities looked really interesting, so when the BCoT for Business team put me in touch with Middlesex Group to discuss apprenticeship opportunities I was really pleased.

"As soon as I chatted to Roger Rustell, who runs the apprenticeship programme at Middlesex, I knew it was where I wanted my career to begin. I've now been with the company for over two years and to say that it has exceeded all my expectations is no exaggeration. The support I have received from Roger as my mentor has been amazing. I have already learned so much and I am challenged every day."

He added: "I feel so grateful to Middlesex for giving me this amazing platform to start my engineering career. I can't believe that at 19 I have a well-paid job with great career prospects and I'm able to save for my first house. I'd like to think I could go on and be educated to degree level and have no doubt at the end of this, that really would be an achievement."

The company has recently introduced the Apprenticeship Plus scheme which allows individuals to carry on learning right up to degree level.

Mr Rustell said: "Apprenticeship Plus ensures our apprentices have the chance to continue their training and development after their three year apprenticeship has ended. They can learn in more detail how every machine on the shop floor works so they can be promoted to manager level in the future. We believe it is so important to nurture young talent and allow individuals to develop their skills and knowledge as much as they want to - there are no limits with us."

Paul Foulds, managing director of the company, said apprentices are "part of our culture".

He added: "It would be inconceivable not to have any in our company. We aim to support our apprentices right up to degree level if that's where they want to go. This gives them the platform and foundation to grow into successful engineers."

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller praised BCoT for its apprenticeship opportunities, and said: "Anthony Bravo and his team have worked hard to make sure apprenticeships in Basingstoke work for apprentices and employers. It is very encouraging to see such strong support from so many local employers. Businesses have demonstrated that apprentices are good for business and provide critical skills in their future workforce. Basingstoke is a centre for excellence for apprenticeships and I would encourage students to look at the wide range of opportunities available to them."

Any employers who would like to take part in BCoT's apprenticeship open day should call Sally Claughton on 01256 306451 or email sally.claughton@bcot.ac.uk.