Great reponse to work challenge
19/01/2011
So far, 15 employers have come forward after reading about the campaign and some have already offered places to youngsters.
Maggie Galliers, principal at Leicester College, said: “It’s great to see that the Apprenticeship Challenge has resulted in so many inquiries in the first week alone. I’m really pleased it’s going so well.
“If the challenge results in people being placed in apprenticeships with companies in Leicester and the rest of the county, this will be a wonderful achievement.”
The campaign has the backing of Prime Minster David Cameron.
Mrs Galliers added: “The fact that we have the backing of the Prime Minister shows just what an important challenge this is. I’m delighted Leicester College is part of it.”
Electrician Paul Carter, of PC Electrics in Lutterworth, has been self-employed for the past four years.
He has just taken on 19-year-old Ashley Reynolds as an electrical installation apprentice as part of our challenge.
Ashley will be working with Paul four days a week and attending college for one day.
He said an apprentice will allow him to grow his business in stages.
Paul said: “I don’t have enough work to take on another full-time electrician but I knew I needed some sort of help and that’s why I thought an apprentice would be ideal.
“They get to learn on the job and pick up a trade and I get the extra help I need.
“I used to be a professional automotive research and development engineer so I’ve done a bit of mentoring in the past. “Taking someone on who was completely ‘fresh’ to this didn’t daunt me and I know the college will support me.”
Becky Abbot is the new franchise owner of Saks Hair based at David Lloyd Fitness, on the Meridian.
She has taken on apprentice hairdresser Jorden Fox, 17.
Becky said: “We thought it would be a good way of growing the business. Jorden’s going to be a big help to us in the salon and will get our in-house training as well as that provided by the college.
“She’s enthusiastic and wants to develop a career in hairdressing.”
Companies who wish to take on an apprentice receive support to meet training needs from Leicester College staff.