It’s National Apprenticeship Week but if you presume Apprenticeships are just for young people, you’re mistaken.

Just ask Victoria Walsh, who left her job as a teaching assistant to train as an apprentice electrician at the age of 40.

Victoria said: “Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, they’re a great way to get qualified, whatever your age.”  

Victoria, a Bolton College apprentice working at Bolton at Home, said becoming an apprentice is the best decision she has ever made.

She spends one day a week at Bolton College, which is part of the University of Bolton Group, then four days per week working for Bolton at Home, which means she gets the benefits of learning from both experts on the job and in the classroom.

Victoria added: “I’ve had so much support from Bolton College, and Bolton at Home are amazing employers; they’ve given me many opportunities outside of work - I participated in the Apprentice Ship Cup and later this year, I’m hoping to travel to Romania to volunteer, using my electrical skills to help improve the lives of people in deprived areas.

“Once I’m fully qualified, I’m planning on emigrating to New Zealand where there’s a skills shortage of electricians.”

Barrie Hurst, Apprentice & Trainee Coordinator at Bolton at Home said: “You’re never too old to be an apprentice, and Victoria is the perfect example of this.

“She has a natural aptitude for electrics and is making great progress.” 

Kate Wallace, Bolton College’s Director of Apprenticeships added: “Apprenticeships are ideal for adults, looking for a change of career, but with commitments to meet. Being an apprentice means that they can still earn a wage whilst learning, developing their skills and gaining an industry-recognised qualification.

 “Victoria is a great ambassador for adult Apprenticeships and we will continue to work with Bolton at Home, providing quality Apprenticeship opportunities for our learners."

Interested in an Apprenticeship? Click here.