Apprenticeships are the way forward in the economic downturn

During the current economic downturn young people under the age of 25 have been some the hardest hit, leaving school or college with fewer jobs to apply for and a limited amount of on the job experience, however apprenticeships could be the solution for many to find long term employment.

Through apprenticeships young people gain on the job training alongside studying for qualifications. The range of opportunities available is vast, from accountancy to construction and hairdressing to office work. Depending on the type of role, apprenticeships usually last between one and five years and give young people a firm footing within a company and some can also lead to a degree level qualification at university.

There are two types of apprenticeships available:

A programme led pathway apprenticeship is arranged through a Training Provider who will organise all the training and a possible work placement. Those on a programme led pathway may be eligible to receive an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or up to £30 per week, the same as going to college or sixth form.

The second type of apprenticeship involves the young person approaching employers to ask to be employed as an apprentice. The training and qualification are organised by a local Training Provider but they can not usually help find an employer. This type of apprenticeship has a salary of at least £80 per week, but may require higher GCSE qualifications and may require an assessment test.

Glyn Ellis, Connexions Personal Adviser from igen, said: Apprenticeships are a wonderful way of employers taking on new staff and training them in the skills they need to survive the current economic difficulties and to be in a position to grow their business in the future. In Leeds we have an urgent need for employers to contact us with vacancies or to discuss the possibility of offering a placement.Tel number 0113 226 2102

A new website (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) has been launched for National Apprenticeship Week (23^rd-27^th February) which lists all employers who have vacancies. This site provides a wealth of information for young people, parents and employers about all aspects of apprenticeships.

Young people wanting more information about apprenticeships should contact their Connexions personal adviser in school, college or on 0800 1066 99.

ENDS