Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the positive impact apprentices have on businesses and the local economy as well as the boost they offer those starting out on the career ladder.

East Anglian Daily Times: Superdrug are recruiting an apprenticeSuperdrug are recruiting an apprentice

Contrary to popular belief, apprentices are not just for school leavers - they also give university graduates a footing on the career ladder and can help those looking to change direction to retrain in a different field.

If you are looking for an apprentice opportunity, we have a variety of vacancies advertised on our Jobs24 site ranging from gardening to car mechanics and sales advisors.

Apprentice sales advisor for Superdrug, Beccles - £150 per week

Want to work in retail? This opportunity involves working alongside the team in store to help and serve customers, ensuring shelves are stocked and the store is welcoming and attractive.

It will include understanding what the Superdrug customer wants, demonstrating exceptional customer service, resolving customer queries, using knowledge to sell products to customers and highlighting promotional offers to customers to work towards achieving sales targets.

The successful candidate will work through a programme of learning with the support of an assessor and their manager, all done on site over the course of 12 months.

The apprentice will gain a nationally recognised qualification in Retail Skills at Level 2, functional skills in Maths and English at Level 1, an in depth knowledge of the products on sale and great customer service skills.

See more details hereVolvo apprentice vehicle technician, Felixstowe - £194 a week

Volvo Truck and Bus, world leaders in innovation and technical excellence, are currently recruiting for high quality apprentices to train as technicians.

Their apprentice scheme is considered to be one of the best in the industry and the successful candidates will work with qualified and experienced technicians learning how to repair and maintain modern trucks, buses and coaches including hybrid technology to the highest standards.

The apprentices will accompany Technicians on road test, learn how to use computer aided diagnostic equipment and Volvo special tools, safely and efficiently.

As well as learning through hands-on experience, apprentices will attend college courses regularly and attend technical or development training that will also be made available.

For more information, see hereCustomer service assistant, Fish Dish, Felixstowe - £122.50 per week

Fish Dish on Felixstowe’s seafront has an exciting opportunity for an apprentice to join the team.

The successful applicant will be working with a business that has always been known for providing quality food and service and is famous for their crispy battered fish and perfectly cooked chips.

This role will be a customer facing position which will include full table service duties, such as greeting and seating guests, taking orders at the table, product knowledge, communicating with the bar and kitchen, taking payments and cleaning tables.

It is expected that the restaurant is kept to high standards at all time and is compliant with legislation.

You will need to be able to work an iPad, have a positive attitude and be able to handle stressful situations.

See here to find out how to applyMechanical engineering apprentice, Beccles - £187 a week

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone that is looking for first class training in a company that promotes quality.

It would suit someone who has logic and practical skills, possesses an understanding of mechanical processes and is familiar with various tools related with fitting and assembly.

You will need at least four GCSEs in maths, English language and science plus one other subject preferably with a technical bias as well as existing vocational qualifications achieved at college.

Find out how to apply hereApprentice administration assistant, Newmarket - £160 per week

Would you like to work for a communications business? This could be the first step on the road to a successful career for you.

The role involves dealing with internal and external post, stock control and ordering of stationary, call handling, typing and updating documents and spreadsheets, keeping all computer records up to date and general filing and office admin.

The position will require use of daily administration equipment such as printers, photocopiers, telephones and fax machines.

See more hereDAF heavy vehicle apprentice, Ipswich - £140 per week

This is an exciting opportunity to work for DAF as part of a highly skilled work force that is committed to quality.

The DAF apprentice programme gives you the chance to join the select group of specialist technicians working on some of the most modern, sophisticated trucks on the road.

The day-to-day tasks include observing and assisting senior technicians, following health and safety procedures, servicing MOTs and all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair.

More details can be found hereRenault service technician apprentice, Ipswich - £131 a week

This is an opportunity to become part of the Renault apprenticeship programme as a service technician over the course of three years.

You will be supported throughout by a dedicated employer as you work towards an advanced apprenticeship in vehicle maintenance and repair.

As a service technician you would be involved in a variety of tasks ranging from servicing and repairs, replacing components, using specialist equipment such as electrical and electronic diagnostics and engine tuning equipment to measure performance.

Candidates will need GCSEs in English, math and science at A* to C grade.

Details are available hereTo find out more about apprentices, why not attend one of several events taking place to mark the national campaign week around Suffolk.

Advice day - Easton and Otley College

Easton and Otley College are holding an apprenticeship advice day on Monday, March 6 with Apprenticeships Suffolk in the Enterprise Hub, at the Otley Campus in Charity Lane. This is an ideal opportunity for students and visitors to come along and find out about apprenticeships, the vacancies currently available and how to apply. There will be advice and guidance from the Get In Go Far team who will be able to offer expert advice in how to register and where to find valuable information on careers and apprenticeships.? Short talks from Apprenticeships Suffolk will be given throughout the day.

Gala dinner - West Suffolk College

WSC apprentices will be preparing a gala meal to showcase their talents to local employers, family and VIPs at the Bury St Edmunds campus on Tuesday, March 7. For more details, see their websiteDrop in sessions - West Suffolk College

West Suffolk College are hosting two drop in event for future apprentices and employers interesting in offering apprenticeships. The first takes place at their learning centre in Great Cornard, Sudbury from 10am on Tuesday.

The second will be held at their base in the Ip-City Centre, Bath Street, Ipswich from 10am on Thursday.