Great opportunities for young people and employers

Shropshire County Council’s Learning, Employment and Training Services are one of the top performing providers of the Apprenticeship Programme both locally and nationally.

A report outlining the progress made by the service will be presented to the County Council's Community Services Scrutiny Panel on Monday (19 November), and shows how learning, employment and training consistently rate above the national average, and are in a strong position to offer young people real opportunities to succeed in their chosen career.

The Apprenticeship Programme, which is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 24, provides them with the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications by working and studying, as it gives young people on-the-job training with a nationally-recognised qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).

Apprenticeships are also an excellent way for employers to develop the skilled staff that they need for business development, allowing them to become more competitive and cutting edge. Part of Learning, Employment and Training Services' role is to engage with organisations and find suitable employers to participate in the programme and ensure their commitment.

Laura McNally is a great example of how the Apprenticeship Programme can benefit the apprentice and their employer. Laura joined the Health and Social Care apprenticeship programme in 2003 whilst at Hendra House Residential Home in Ludlow. Laura successfully completed her Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Framework, and is currently working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship. In February 2007 Laura was selected as the Care Learner of the Year at a presentation evening organised by Shropshire Partners in Care. Her employer Vince Burmingham said “We are really proud of Laura; she has developed into an effective and efficient member of the Hendra team, and she really cares about the residents. She is a model employee.”

Councillor Peter Corston, chairman of the scrutiny panel, said “Apprenticeships are increasingly popular and a fantastic way for a young person to further their career plans. They offer a flexible way of learning which gives young people a mix of practical ‘hands-on training’ within the workplace, and the theoretical teaching of a vocational subject.”

16 November 2007