More than forty apprentices will be dressed in hats and gowns at a graduation ceremony to mark the completion of their training.
The 10th Annual Graduation Ceremony, organised by the Nottinghamshire Training Network (NTN), gives the opportunity to recognise the hard work of apprentices and to celebrate their achievements.
This year's graduates come from a range of industries, including business and administration, customer service, hairdressing and health and social care, and have all completed their apprenticeships at an Advanced or Higher level.
28-year-old James Huseyin, of Hucknall, will be celebrating the completion of his Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Hospitality, Supervision and Leadership.
James, who is the manager at the Broomhill Inn, in Hucknall, decided to do his Level 3 NVQ alongside work to boost his CV.
He said: "The apprenticeship has been hard and challenging but 100 per cent worth it.
Apprenticeships are good because they are hands-on and you learn more skills because you are on site. They also look good on your CV and if I decided I wanted to set up my own business it would look good because I would have experience. I would recommend them to anyone.
"I can't wait to graduate, I am really looking forward to it. HIT Training [his training provider] has been excellent and my employer, David Cash, has been great, letting me go on this course and backing me. He has also let assessors come into his establishment while I am working."
Next Thursday, the graduates will be cheered on by their proud families as they collect their certificates on stage at the Albert Hall.
Melissa Lee, 20, of Carlton, has just completed her Advanced Hairdressing Apprenticeship at Hedley & Co, in Netherfield. She worked at the salon five days a week and visited her training provider Nottingham Hairdressing Training Agency once a fortnight.
Melissa said: "I have loved my apprenticeship and have wanted to do hairdressing for as long as I can remember.
"I am really excited to graduate and would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. They are also great for building your confidence."
Hedley & Co owner Sarah Bates, who is also Melissa's NVQ assessor, said: "Melissa is fantastic. When she first came here she didn't have much confidence but she has excelled.
"Melissa is the second girl to have graduated at the ceremony and it is something she should be proud of."
Karen Hodgson, chief executive of NTN, said: "We are extremely proud to be hosting the 2014 Graduation Event, celebrating the amazing successes of our apprentices.
"The opportunities available to learners through the apprenticeship frameworks is growing and we hope the event will inspire others to follow the same route and progress their careers with apprenticeships in the future."
The Nottingham Post is also looking to celebrate apprenticeships with its Get Notts Working campaign.
This campaign, which started on March 3, is aiming to unearth 300 apprentice roles in 100 days. More than 200 apprenticeships have already been pledged.
The Get Notts Working campaign is being run in conjunction with Nottingham City Council, the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.
Companies wanting to pledge to take on apprentices should call Katrina Harris on 0115 905 1297 or e-mail katrina.harris@nottinghampost.com.
What do you think? Tell us at opinion@nottinghampost.com
