Worcestershire Apprenticeships signs new recruit

Worcestershire Apprenticeships is welcoming a new team member to help local young people spread their wings.

A giant penguin will represent the county apprenticeships support team on the streets of Worcester next summer as part of The Great Waddle of Worcester.

Set to arrive in the city next July, the art trail will see eighty beautifully decorated penguins parading through the city’s streets for eight weeks. A Wild in Art event, the waddle is being brought to Worcester by St Richard’s Hospice.

Kim Cook, Managing Director of Worcestershire Apprentices, said: “A bit like penguins leaving the comfort of their huddle behind, it can be daunting for young people to decide what to do next when leaving school or college.

“We’re here to explain all things apprenticeships.  Whether you are a young person, an employer considering hiring an apprentice or a parent, guardian or school wanting to know more and how to find an apprenticeship, we are here to support you.”

Judy Gibbs, Worcestershire County Council’s Head of Skills and Investment, added: “Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Thousands of young people will waddle in Worcester next summer so our penguin sponsorship is a brrr-illiant way to help open their eyes to a world of opportunity in their home county.”

Organisations from across Worcestershire and beyond have swooped in to sign-up and sponsor a penguin sculpture.

Artists, both local and national, will dream up and submit designs to clothe each sculpture from September until December 2023.  Penguin suits will be whittled down to around 100 at the beginning of 2024, with sponsors having the final say on which ones are brought to life.

At the end of the trail, each penguin will be auctioned to support the ongoing care provided by St Richard’s Hospice. Alongside the large penguins will be a mini parade of ‘nestlings’ decorated by schools and community groups across the county. The babies will be displayed in Crowngate Shopping Centre and other shop windows across the city.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We’re so excited to welcome Worcestershire Apprenticeships to waddle with us in summer 2024. In selecting the design for their penguin, the team will have the opportunity to bring their apprenticeships story to life for thousands of trail goers every day for eight weeks.”

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.