College Calls on Local Businesses to Help Tackle Unemployment
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, January 31, 2009 --(PR.com)-- City of Wolverhampton College is urging local businesses to come forward and take on apprentices, in a bid to beat the credit crunch.
The call comes after the Government revealed plans to fund an additional 35,000 apprentices next year to strengthen the country's competitiveness and help boost employment prospects in the downturn.
It will invest £140 million to deliver new and additional apprentices nationally in both the public and private sectors.
The college has already taken on a total of 10 apprentices, who combine their studies with paid work.
The apprentices, who are all aged between 17 and 42, spend one day a week in class, working towards their qualification, and the rest of the week putting their new knowledge into practice as paid employees.
Apprentice Christopher Bayliss is studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration while also working in the college’s finance department.
The 19-year-old said: “I had been looking for an apprenticeship for a while because I wanted something where I could work and study at the same time. I think you learn more in a real work environment and it gives you a better idea of where you want to go in the future.”
Business Director Chris Harding, who employs two apprentices in his faculty office, said: “Apprenticeships are a valuable way for young people to enter working life because they are getting a structured learning and work experience package which will stand them in good stead, while the business benefits from having increasingly skilled staff whose learning is funded by Government.”
Director of Employer Engagement Georgina Parker added: “In the current economic climate it is important that we give people the real help they need to find employment and improve their future career prospects by gaining new skills and achieving qualifications.
“As a former Apprentice, I believe that an Apprenticeship provides a strong basis for a long-term career. It enables people to gain invaluable work experience together with occupationally relevant qualifications and a working wage.
“The Apprenticeship programme can also make a real difference to businesses, providing highly competent and motivated staff with the right skills for the job.”
The apprenticeships are funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
###
The call comes after the Government revealed plans to fund an additional 35,000 apprentices next year to strengthen the country's competitiveness and help boost employment prospects in the downturn.
It will invest £140 million to deliver new and additional apprentices nationally in both the public and private sectors.
The college has already taken on a total of 10 apprentices, who combine their studies with paid work.
The apprentices, who are all aged between 17 and 42, spend one day a week in class, working towards their qualification, and the rest of the week putting their new knowledge into practice as paid employees.
Apprentice Christopher Bayliss is studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration while also working in the college’s finance department.
The 19-year-old said: “I had been looking for an apprenticeship for a while because I wanted something where I could work and study at the same time. I think you learn more in a real work environment and it gives you a better idea of where you want to go in the future.”
Business Director Chris Harding, who employs two apprentices in his faculty office, said: “Apprenticeships are a valuable way for young people to enter working life because they are getting a structured learning and work experience package which will stand them in good stead, while the business benefits from having increasingly skilled staff whose learning is funded by Government.”
Director of Employer Engagement Georgina Parker added: “In the current economic climate it is important that we give people the real help they need to find employment and improve their future career prospects by gaining new skills and achieving qualifications.
“As a former Apprentice, I believe that an Apprenticeship provides a strong basis for a long-term career. It enables people to gain invaluable work experience together with occupationally relevant qualifications and a working wage.
“The Apprenticeship programme can also make a real difference to businesses, providing highly competent and motivated staff with the right skills for the job.”
The apprenticeships are funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
###
Contact
City of Wolverhampton College
Katie Swann
01902 317580
Katie Swann
01902 317580
Contact
Categories