News

Andrew Lloyd (Rushmoor Borough Council), Greg Hoggett (TAG Farnborough Engineering Ltd), Morven Grierson (S4 Financial Ltd), Graham Burrell (Linde CryoPlants)
advertisement

Rushmoor aims to tackle youth unemployment

By Stephanie Cockroft
February 21, 2012

AN apprenticeship scheme has been launched to get young people in Aldershot and Farnborough into work.

Businesses and organisations in the two towns concerned are being urged to back the Rushmoor Apprenticeship Challenge, which aims to create 100 new apprenticeships in 100 days.

The scheme, being spearheaded by Rushmoor Borough Council and the National Apprenticeship Service, was launched last week at the Princes Hall in Aldershot on Thursday.

More than 80 businessmen and women attended the business breakfast to learn more about apprenticeships and to pledge their support to the challenge.

Some of those who went along included the Charters Group, TAG Farnborough Engineering Ltd and CRM Services Ltd.

As part of the 100-day challenge, businesses thinking of recruiting or training up staff are being urged to think about offering an apprenticeship.

The message from speakers at the event was that apprenticeships offer benefits to employers, young people and the local economy.

The schemes offer a training route, which combines on-the-job learning with a recognised qualification.

Andrew Lloyd, chief executive of Rushmoor Borough Council, who opened the event, encouraged guests to think creatively about how an apprentice could fit into an organisation.

He said the council had already employed seven apprentices.

Councillor Peter Moyle, leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “We need a skilled workforce, particular in tough economic times.

“Apprenticeships not only help young people to get a foot on the employment ladder, but also to develop new skills and to build their self-esteem.

“They can also be a tremendous asset to an organisation.

“I would encourage businesses, large and small, to ‘come on board’ and support the Rushmoor Apprenticeship Challenge.”

The guests also heard from Jody Fair of the National Apprenticeship Service, TAG Farnborough Engineering, S4 Financial Ltd and apprentice Alex O’Neil, who is an apprentice administrator for the National Apprenticeship Service.

Jodi, who is head of employer accounts for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “As the body responsible for apprenticeships throughout England, the National Apprenticeship Service believes in the real benefits that employing apprentices can bring to businesses and young people.

“Apprentices have a major part to play in the future of our local economy.

“The skills they bring can help businesses to develop, be successful and grow for the future.

“It is fantastic that a number of companies have already pledged their commitment to offering apprenticeship places as part of the Rushmoor Apprenticeship Challenge.”

Apprenticeships are open to all businesses, whether large or small.

Companies interested can find more information on www.apprenticeships.org.uk or can telephone 08000 150 600.

Pictured, above left: The launch of the apprenticeship challenge. From left: Andrew Lloyd, chief executive at Rushmoor Borough Council, Greg Hoggett managing director at TAG Farnborough Engineering Ltd, Morven Grierson, compliance manager at S4 Financial Ltd, Graham Burrell, manufacturing manager at Linde CryoPlants Ltd, Alex O’Neil, apprentice administrator at the National Apprenticeship Service and Jodi Fair, head of employer accounts at South Central National Apprenticeship Service.

| Submit Comments | View Comments (3)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 3 of 3

Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

Available jobs on the decrease for various reasons

Population on the up for various reasons

Emmmmmm, you do the maths

doormon, Aldershot
23/02/2012 at 13:58

I'm starting to think all of these training schemes are just a stalling method to get people off the jobless statistics without actually providing a proper job. Same with most internships. What was wrong with learning on the job?

Dan B
23/02/2012 at 13:24

My son completed a 2 years bricklaying training at Aldershot building college last year - training paid for by the tax payer as he did this straight from School. When he asked the college about getting an apprenticeship he was told to get the yellow pages out and write to all the local builders. this he did - sent over 30 letters - got approx 6 replies and no job offers. Then he heard about a website run by the government to place apprentices - he completed the application form and got a letter telling him he needed to go the local college to be accessed to see if he qualified for the scheme. Yes the local college was Aldershot - where he had just spent the previous 2 years - but apparently they still needed to test him. He passed with flying colours and was told he qualified to do an apprenticeship, all he had to do was get a job with a builder and they would welcome him on an apprenticeship scheme. so we asked how does he get a job - the answer - you could write letters to all the local builders.

NOW THERES AN IDEA - why didn't we try that last time.

What is my son doing now - cutting grass, pruning shrubs and picking up litter on estates with a private garden maintenance company and while it does have its perks - he met the Chelsea Goalkeeper today and a good chat with him - it is not what he is trained to do or what the tax payer trained him to do.

There is no point in paying good money to train these young people if you are not then going to help them to use that training for purpose it was meant for. the council and the Government need to tell the construction companies and developers that a minimum of 5% of their work forces need to be apprentices, councils can build it into the planning application process in exactly the same way they do for traffic measures and local infrastructure support for schools, hospitals and local transport. The same rule needs to apply to large non-trade based companies although here the companies could receive tax breaks linked to the continuous employment so that the apprentices are not abused. for a lot of these young people it is about being giving the opportunity to get experience and to prove they can do it.