Let’s get our city working
11/01/2011
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
The words are not ours, but those of former US president Franklin D Roosevelt.
The lesson though is one that the Leicester Mercury and Leicester College intend to follow over the next 100 days.
Together, we aim to match 100 young people in our area to 100 new apprenticeships in that time.
We want to hear from those who want to learn a trade and from the companies willing to help them – and we will be featuring both in our pages over the coming months.
The campaign is being supported by prime minister David Cameron, who said: “I think this is a fantastic campaign. The importance of apprenticeships can’t be underestimated and I wholly support the Mercury’s attempt to get more people into them.”
Teenager Kiefer Scott is a shining example of the value of apprenticeships to all involved.
The 17-year-old apprentice joiner, from Glen Parva, is learning his trade with Spira Projects Ltd, a firm in Peckleton which manufactures bespoke joinery products for the retail sector, backed up by one week a month at Leicester College.
He said: “It’s given me the confidence and skills I need to get on in the workplace and I know I’m actually making a contribution.
“I know at the end of it I’ll have real experience behind me. Training as an apprentice offers a ‘career for life’ that’s invaluable to me. It will put me one step ahead of a lot of people my age.
“I knew at school I wanted to do something more hands on. I’d always enjoyed woodwork and I’d seen what my grandad had built himself around the house.
“I just knew this was something I wanted to do and thanks to Leicester College suggesting Spira Projects Ltd I’m here. I feel really lucky.”
Managing director Steve Houchen said apprentices make up one fifth of the firm’s workforce, bringing a “youthful vigour” to the business.
He said: “Spira has created careers and bright futures for a number of talented young people and in doing so, it’s made a real contribution to their lives and our business.”
Another apprentice also employed at Spira is 17-year-old Frazer Broadley, from Braunstone, who said: “I’d recommend anyone my age who doesn’t want to follow the academic route to consider taking one on.
“I’m getting hands-on experience and I’m earning money. I don’t have any huge debts and I’m getting qualifications under my belt.”
Leicester College principal Maggie Galliers said the college was delighted to be the Mercury’s partner in our 100-day challenge and she pointed out the value of apprenticeships to businesses.
“Apprentices often provide companies with the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive, which is essential to the local economy,” she said.
The campaign is also backed by Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and Leicester City Council.
Councillor Vi Dempster, the council’s education spokeswoman, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to help our young people get into training, and apprenticeships are a proven success.”
The Leicester Mercury’s editor, Keith Perch, said the newspaper was proud to be involved in a campaign which would benefit young people and businesses.
He said: “The Mercury has a long history of helping companies to find the right employees and those looking for work to find the right company. Our recruitment pages on a Wednesday have always been very popular and every year many thousands of people find jobs through us.
“We hope that this latest project with Leicester College will give a boost to young people seeking work.
“This campaign will help employers find the people they need and apprentices gain the necessary skills to advance their careers. I’d urge employers and those considering an apprenticeship to grab the opportunity with both hands.”
We are encouraging prospective apprentices not just among the young but also older people looking to learn a new trade. Anybody between the ages of 16 and 65 can apply.