On Thursday, February 10, Carshalton College is inviting prospective learners to their open event for tours, talks and demonstrations from 4pm to 7.30pm.

The college offers a vast selection of full-time, part-time, apprenticeships, work-based training and higher education courses for students of all ages and abilities. These include qualifications in construction, creative media, business, accounting, care, hospitality, early years, leisure, beauty, hairdressing and IT.

The open event falls during Apprenticeship Week. From February 7 to 11 there will be a national campaign to highlight the talents and skills of apprentices and celebrate the value of apprenticeships. More information is available at apprenticeships.org.uk Carshalton College is the largest provider of apprenticeships in south London and its success is down to partnerships with a variety of companies offering students excellent opportunities.

On the evening there will be a dedicated area celebrating the placements and successes of the college’s apprentices, with a team of advisors to provide information about opportunities, as well as alumni talking about their experiences and packs to take away.

Graduate Jamie Weakner, recently awarded London’s Best Apprentice in the JTL Electrical Awards, will be attending to answer questions on taking an apprenticeship along with tutor Darren Littlefield, who completed a hairdressing apprenticeship and went on to manage the salon where he trained.

The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes, presented the new Skills Strategy and Skills investment Strategy in November 2010 said: “Apprenticeships are the pivot of our policy and we want to boost them with £250m investment creating 75,000 more apprenticeships, matching economic needs.”

The college is continuously upgrading facilities to provide an outstanding vibrant vocational learning environment.

Tours will include the new carpentry and plumbing workshops used by students on Foundation Levels 1 and 2, as well as apprenticeship plumbing courses, meeting the demand for qualified plumbers in the south-east and beyond. Plus visitors can see the Power Assessment and Training Centre, motor vehicle, catering, hair and beauty, and construction work spaces.

The Pulse Health and Fitness Centre opened in September 2010, run by Pulse Fitness. It has memberships available for students and the public with a swimming pool, 80-station fitness suite, sports hall and dance studios.

Dr David Watkins, Carshalton College’s Principal, said: “As a further education college, we strive to provide training and qualifications to meet the changing needs of all businesses, by preparing students for in-demand jobs and skills.

“I’m sure these courses will prove popular, especially in today’s economic climate, as wages for qualified professionals are high due to a skills shortage in the sector.”

As Sutton’s only further and higher education provider, Carshalton College offers courses to suit everyone, even if you are looking to retrain, build on your existing qualifications, or choose a new career path.

Visit carshalton.ac.uk or call 020 8544 4444 for details on the college’s open event.