A WINCHESTER woman has been featured in a new campaign from the Department of Education.

The campaign, It All Starts with Skills, is designed to inspire young people, adults and businesses to make the most of their potential by engaging in a range of technical qualifications, training and skills.

Real learners feature as part of the broader campaign, each having embarked on their own varied training routes in recent years.

This includes Winchester-based apprentice Louisa Seers, who has embarked on her own training journey and believes it is vital that more people can make informed choices so they can gain the skills and qualifications they need to progress in life and work.

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The 28-year-old said: “The campaign is inspired by people like me, each individual on a personal journey to gaining new skills and building a career for the future by harnessing their potential. It really brings to light how skills can change your life and highlights that there is something for everyone, including qualifications and courses you might never have heard of.

“I never imagined pursuing an apprenticeship – let alone two. Now, at 28 I can say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My apprenticeship experience over the years has allowed me to develop a much richer understanding of the business, and I love learning something new every day. 

“The Skills for Life website can help you realise how many paths there are available and can helpfully signpost to advertised positions with reputable companies, like IBM. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until the opportunity was in front of me – and now I’ve completed two apprenticeships and cannot wait to see what I’ll go on to learn next.”

The campaign wants to let people know that there are more technical education and training routes on offer than ever before. This includes apprenticeships, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps, and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

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Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon, said: “Throughout my political career, I have championed apprenticeships and skills, driven by an unwavering passion to ensure we are providing a ladder of opportunity to everyone across the country.

“From apprenticeships and T Levels to Skills Bootcamps and Higher Technical Qualifications, we’re opening doors for young people and adults to achieve their fullest potential. Now is the time to spread the word far and wide about our skills programmes, letting every corner of the country know about the training available.”

To find out more about the campaign, search “Skills for Life” or visit skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk/.