Apprentices – you’re hired!
As Sir Alan Sugar continues his search – businesses across Warwickshire are being urged to consider the benefits of taking on an apprentice.
According to Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire, young people are struggling to find vacancies this year because fewer employers are offering opportunities due to the recession.
Between January and March 2008, 31 employers offered apprenticeship places but so far this year there are only 13, mostly from the Engineering sector.
In contrast, there are 297 young people in Coventry and Warwickshire who are looking for training, including apprenticeships, when they leave school this summer.
Daniel Garner, a student at Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College in Rugby, is searching for a mechanics apprenticeship for September.
He said: “It has been particularly difficult for me with many businesses saying they are not taking on apprentices at the moment because of the credit crunch.
“It hasn’t put me off though and I will keep trying as I’m a very hands-on person and an apprenticeship really appeals to me. It is important to have a back up plan as well though just in case - for me, that’s a full-time course at College.”
Graham Hollowell, Head of Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “Apprenticeships offer businesses the opportunity to bring someone into the company who is keen and enthusiastic, which can lead to improved productivity and avoid skills shortages in the future.
“Companies often find that by training a young person in-house, they quickly fit in and begin to make their mark. Apprenticeships are also an excellent way of offering young people the chance to learn new skills on-the-job with experienced staff in a business environment and link it to training at college or with a training provider.”
If you are an employer and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, contact Filippa Pykett, Employer Team manager at Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire, on 02476 707691.
If you would like more information about becoming an apprentice or for other career options, visit the Route 14-19 website at http://www.route14-19.co.uk - which is a partnership between Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the Learning and Skills Council, Colleges, training providers and Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire.