Rotherham recently held its first Apprentice Live event at New York Stadium. Rotherham Council partnered with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, South Yorkshire Apprenticeship and Careers Hub, and other partners to deliver the event.

Over 350 young people, parents, carers, and educators attended and took part in question-and-answer sessions aimed at sharing success stories, answering questions, and providing information about apprenticeships and pathways into apprenticeships, including supported internships.

Employers and specialist providers also attended the event to share details of their apprenticeship vacancies.

“It changed my mind about what I want to do when I leave. It was great finding different apprenticeships all at once.” – Young Person Feedback

For more information on apprenticeships and access to live vacancies, please visit the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub website.

Take an interactive virtual tour of some of Rotherham’s employers and their workplaces. You can find out what it’s like to work in a range of industry sectors and environments through Panjango. Using Panjango, you could take a tour of Gullivers Valley Theme Park, Gripple Manufacturing Plant, Henry Boot, and so much more.

This free interactive resource, complete with quizzes and activities is an excellent way for young people, teachers, parents, and carers to explore the world of work.

Find out more about Panjango or take a virtual tour. 

Rotherham Opportunities College is just one of a number of partners assisting students with additional support needs to take on a Supported Internship.

Supported Internships can help to gain valuable skills and confidence through work experience with an employer.

Idrees Munir completed his internship at Rotherham Council in Customer Service and Business Administration which helped build his confidence and communication skills. He has since gone on to securing an apprenticeship and then a permanent position within the Housing team at the Council.

"I gained valuable experience and knowledge within the business administration sector and was determined to advance into a permanent position at Rotherham Council, so with the right mindset and confidence I was able to get my dream job.” – Idrees Munir

Find out more about Rotherham Opportunities College, Supported Internships, and the SEND Local Offer. 

Good Work supports people living with a mental or physical health condition to find, stay in work, and thrive in employment. 

When referred to Good Work, Mark was able to gain employability support through meetings with a dedicated employment specialist. By receiving this support, Mark was able to recognise his skills, build confidence, improve his wellbeing, access financial advice, and more. 

Additionally, Mark was able to explore a range of job roles to identify a role most suited to him and then access training. Mark is now employed with a teaching agency working in a design and technology support role on a temporary basis.

“I am now confident, have a renewed purpose, and an active social life. I have realised in the longer term I want to look for greater stability with a supportive employer, where I can help others by using my lived experiences. I will keep exploring out of my comfort zone, using my research, teaching, and learning skills to find my permanent forever role.”  - Mark 

For more information on Good Work Skills and how they can support you, email goodwork@syha.co.uk or call 0114 2900 218.

If you’re looking for help to get your own business off the ground, RiDO’s innovative start-up Launchpad programme is available free of charge to all new and early-stage businesses in Rotherham, offering one-to-one support and a comprehensive range of expert workshops to help give your business the best start.

Then, when you are ready, RiDO Business Hubs offer over 240 small offices, workshops and laboratory space across Rotherham where you can develop and grow your business in a supportive environment.