Member Article

Hundreds of apprenticeships for jobless young people across Liverpool City Region

Hundreds of apprenticeships for jobless young people across Liverpool City Region are being offered via a new scheme.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, an ‘Apprenticeship Bus’ is touring the area from Monday to Friday to raise awareness of the opportunities available.

It is being organised by Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, a partnership between local authorities and other agencies to promote apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship and careers advice staff will be on board to offer guidance and help young people apply for live job vacancies.

Monday 3rd March 2014 9am – Midday: Kirkby Town Centre (outside Post Office) 1pm – 4pm: Huyton town centre (Outside Knowsley Works Centre).

Tuesday 4th March 2014 9am – 4pm: outside The Strand, Bootle (facing McDonalds)

Wednesday 5th March 2014 9am – 4pm: Williamson Square, Liverpool city centre

Thursday 6th March 2014 9am – 4pm: The Viking Centre, 109 Thorsway, Birkenhead

Friday 7th March 2014 9am – 4pm: Church Square, St Helens

Wednesday 12th March 2014 5- 7pm: Riverside College in Widnes (as part of their open day)

The city council funds a number of different initiatives giving young people the opportunity to get a foot on the employment ladder, in partnership with private and public sector organisations.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “There is nothing more dispiriting than not having a job. That’s why giving our young people an opportunity to learn, develop skills and shine with an employer is so important.

“We have had tremendous success since 2010 in giving young people the chance to prove themselves and become the star employees of the future.

“Whenever we are awarding contracts now, whether it is for major developments, partnerships or building new schools, we stipulate that companies need to employ local labour as far as they can, and offer apprenticeships.

“There’s no denying these are tough times and competition is tough, but we are absolutely committed to doing what we can to support young people into work.”

Each young person who is not in education, employment or training (NEET) from 16-18 years old is estimated to cost the public purse around £56,000.

Figures show that between September 2012 and September 2013 it helped cut the number of young people aged 16-19 classed as NEET in Liverpool fell from 1,290 to 978, meaning there is an overall rate of just 8 percent.

Employers wanting to find out how to get involved in apprenticeships should call 0151 233 5346, or email liverpool.apprenticeship@liverpool.gov.uk. More information about apprenticeships can be found at www.apprenticeshipswork.org.uk

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, is inviting employers in Liverpool to a special breakfast event at the Holiday Inn on Lime Street on Wednesday 26 March to talk about funding opportunities to help them create job opportunities for young people. To book a free place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ’Mayoral Youth Contract Employer Business Event

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .