National Apprenticeship Week
With a theme of ‘Build the Future', this year's National Apprenticeship Week is closely aligned with our duties of caring for the historic waterways for future generations.
We're committed to apprenticeship schemes and currently have 35 apprentices on board. In addition to environment works, the apprentices are learning the craft of repairing lock gates, carpentry, construction, engineering and team leading skills. A small number are office based, working towards becoming cyber security technicians and producing content.
The canal network has also benefited from the government-funded Kickstart scheme, a programme for young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. 22 of the charity's apprentices came from the first wave of kickstarters, and we currently have 23 young people on the second wave across Stalybridge, Nottingham and Wolverhampton.
Building a better future
Richard Parry, our chief executive, said: “The waterways are navigated by boats in much the same way as they were 200 years ago, whilst today also playing a crucial role in bringing free, accessible blue spaces to local communities. The skills originally used to construct the canals are still in use today, and it's great to see our apprentices learning their craft alongside some of our experienced colleagues. There are new skills that keep the waterways flowing too, with apprentices involved in office-based roles as well as on the bank.
“It was a pleasure to meet the apprentices at Bratch Locks and I wish them well as they help us build a better future for the waterways and preserve this important part of the nation's heritage.”
