Residents across Worcestershire are being encouraged to follow a new social media campaign showcasing the opportunities available to them through apprenticeships.

Created by Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils’ digital marketing apprentice Gemma Ranford, the #NotJust campaign looks to tackle the misconceptions linked with becoming an apprentice, while encouraging more people to consider an apprenticeship as a viable choice for their careers.

With individuals like Sir Ian McKellen starting out his career as an apprentice, the aim is to help more people realise that apprenticeships are not just a second choice to university. More apprenticeship qualifications are being made available and some industries now offer degree level apprenticeships, which enable apprentices to gain work experience while studying for a degree.

#NotJust will take on a quirky approach, hoping to entertain and engage people while prompting them to think differently. Throughout the campaign local apprentices will have their say on why they chose an apprenticeship over university, and businesses will also discuss why they chose to take on an apprentice.

The campaign, which will be managed by Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council with the support of Worcestershire Apprenticeships, will start in June and run for a year over Twitter and Instagram.

#NotJust will push people to visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website. This website provides information that enables people to see what the benefits of apprenticeships are, what industries there are apprenticeships in and how to apply for an apprenticeship. Also available on the website is information on upcoming apprenticeship events and shows.

To join those that are thinking differently and stay up to date with the #NotJust campaign, search #NotJust on Twitter, and @not_just_worcs on Instagram.

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships and vacancies available in Worcestershire, visit worcsapprenticeships.org.uk