News & Blog

23 June is International Women in Engineering Day, or INWED for short. Now in its eighth year, INWED is an international awareness campaign that raises the profile of women in engineering and focuses attention on the amazing career opportunities available to women and girls in this exciting industry. INWED was started in 2014 by the…

Each year throughout June, communities across the world celebrate sexual diversity, freedom of expression and self-worth through a multitude of colourful loud and proud events recognising the positive influence Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) people have upon our world. There’s no doubt that we’ve come a long way since the Stonewall Riots back…

MTC Apprenticeships is the training provider responsible for delivering apprenticeships and workforce upskilling at OAS. The MTC’s network of Wellbeing Champions was established in 2019 and has since grown to include over 40 people. They’re available to help any of our learners and colleagues by offering confidential conversations and support, and signposting additional guidance and…

10 – 16 May 2021 is Mental Health Awareness Week, during what continues to be a challenging time for everyone and as COVID-19 restrictions are tentatively relaxed across the UK. Raising awareness about the importance of mental health and taking some time to think and talk about mental health issues has never been more important.…

Cameron has always been interested in engineering and physics, and set his sights on entering the aerospace sector through an OAS apprenticeship after he experienced more practical learning opportunities at sixth form. We talked to him about the skills and knowledge he’s gained so far, why you should never be afraid to ask for help,…

Government Incentives and OAS Support Combine to Help Engineering Apprenticeships. An SME salary support scheme and doubled Government incentives announced in the Budget mean that Oxfordshire Advanced Skills employer partners can receive up to £8,200 for hiring a new engineering apprentice. In the Budget, the Government doubled and extended the financial incentives available to support…

OAS announces new partnership with Embracing Future Potential to increase our Equality Diversity & Inclusion impact We’re proud to announce our latest Equality Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) partnership with Embracing Future Potential, a new user-centric organisation that aims to increase access to employment and development opportunities for those sectors of the workforce who are not…

Olivia knew she wanted to be an engineer since watching her dad work on a race car on the drive when she was very young. After discovering her love of composites through a work experience placement, Olivia chose an apprenticeship to gain the hands-on training she excels at whilst she works for her family’s favourite…

An ex-apprentice herself, Elliann joined the OAS team from industry in March 2020 as a specialist in mechanical engineering. She talked to us about why she’s committed to building supportive apprentice communities, how becoming an OAS trainer is the best career decision she’s ever made, and shared some tips to help prospective apprentices get the…

Apprenticeships are gaining in popularity because of the unique benefits they offer compared to other learning pathways. If your child enjoys hands-on learning and is looking for a springboard into the engineering and manufacturing sector, then our Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship programme is the perfect way to kick start their career when they leave…