MORE than 300 students and 35 local businesses attended Basingstoke College of Technology’s apprenticeship event on Monday.

The event coincided with National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Friday.

Among the local firms offering advice was Thales, based on Basing View, which is offering graduate level apprenticeships in conjunction with BCoT.

Other employers included Middlesex Group, AWE and Premier Inn.

Judith Moule, head of apprenticeships at BCoT, said: “The turnout was incredible and we were delighted to see so many young people talking to employers about apprenticeship opportunities and finding out more about the many different paths they can take.

“Our event was specifically designed to help bring employers and future apprentices together, as well as to showcase the fantastic facilities and support we can offer at the college.”

Special guests at the event were Basingstoke and Deane Mayor, Councillor Roger Gardiner, and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

Impressed with what she saw, Mrs Miller said: “BCoT leads the way in working with employers to ensure apprenticeships are an integral part of their business.

“This event demonstrates the confidence employers have in BCoT. We have seen record numbers of Government supported apprenticeships in Basingstoke in the past five years with more than 4,000 people starting new apprenticeship courses.

“Employers tell me an apprenticeship gives them the opportunity to ensure the training is up to date and relevant to the business.”

Mrs Miller said she and BCoT principal Anthony Bravo recently met with the Skills Minister Nick Boles to explore how even more apprenticeships could be created, particularly for 18 to 24-year-olds.