Spotlight on a great future for apprentices

THE Post is today launching its Age of the Apprentice campaign.

The initiative, run in conjunction with a range of training providers in the city, aims to develop awareness of apprenticeships among young people and employers.

The campaign, which runs until the end of July, will look at key issues surrounding apprenticeships.

The Post wants to encourage employers to consider recruiting an apprentice and over the next few weeks we will highlight the large range of its benefits to businesses.

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We will also be shining the spotlight on Government funding initiatives, such as the new Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

This is a £1,500 award available to small and medium employers which can help them support apprenticeship recruitment.

Our initiative will also drive awareness of related issues which will have major implications for apprenticeship provision in the UK.

The imminent Raising of the Participation Age (RPA), a policy which is designed to deal with youth unemployment, will require young people aged between 16 and 18 to be in full-time education, an apprenticeship, full-time work or volunteering.

Our campaign will encourage young people to apply for apprenticeships by presenting the schemes as an ideal vocational option for those who want to develop a career outside of the school environment.

It is hoped that a combination of apprentice-hungry employers and increasing numbers of young people requiring training and work placements will result in a golden age of apprenticeships, where both the needs of businesses and young people will be met.

Claire Arbery, head of apprenticeships at City of Bristol College, said: "The world is changing and with increased competition for jobs there has never been a better time to have marketable skills.

"Apprenticeships are an alternative educational route for those who want to use practical skills whilst working for an employer that is focused on improving their skill base.

"Highlighting the different routes available to those that want to earn a wage as they learn is vital and we are proud to back the Age of the Apprentice campaign."

Sarah Pullen, managing director of Bristol News and Media, said: "Apprenticeships are a great alternative for young people who don't necessarily want to do more academic study, but want to learn skills on the job while also gaining a relevant qualification.

"That is why we are delighted to be launching our Age of the Apprentice campaign, which we hope will encourage more young people to consider this route."

To tie in with our campaign The Post will be launching its first ever Apprenticeship Awards next month.

The awards, sponsored by City of Bristol College, will be a chance for young apprentices to be recognised and celebrated for the work that they do.

We will also be celebrating the businesses that take on and train apprentices, with many different categories available for entry.

It will culminate in a big awards ceremony at a date to be confirmed.

Ms Arbery commented: "The college is thrilled to be the headline sponsor of The Post's Apprenticeship Awards.

"These awards not only celebrate the achievements of the employer and the apprentice but they also highlight the fantastic work done within our great city.

"Building on City of Bristol College's Apprenticeship Awards, we are using our successful formula to make these awards the toast of the city."