Business Bolton has teamed up with The Bolton News in launching a campaign to encourage local Bolton businesses to take on apprentices.
The newspaper will showcase businesses that take up the opportunity to employ apprentices in the Bolton area, giving them a platform to promote their products and services and the courses will be delivered by a number of independent training providers as well as Bolton College.
In recent years apprenticeship take-ups have fallen in the town, probably as a result of the economic down turn and companies reluctance to take on new employees but Bolton Council are determined to improve the skill of our young local residents through apprenticeships.
Local business 'Turton Industrial Doors' were one company who knew the value of in-house training and embarked on an apprenticeship programme, employing Natalie Kimblin in 2009. After two years she has become invaluable to the business and Natalie won 'Young Person/Apprentice Of The Year' at the recent Bolton and Bury Business Awards 2011, bringing with it valuable PR and exposure in the local community.
What is an Apprenticeship?
• An alternative route to learning
• A nationally recognised qualification (NVQ)
• It confirms you are working to the industry standard
• They are work-based and transferable to your job role
• On-the-job training
• There are workshops to support your underpinning knowledge
• A tool to your succession plan
The range of skills covered by the programme is extensive and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) and Apprenticeship programmes are offered in:
• Business Administration, Finance and IT
• Information Technology
• Customer Service and Call Centre Operations
• Marketing and Communications
• Information Advice and Guidance
• Leadership and Management
• Logistics, Aviation and Warehousing
• Retail
• Health and Social Care
• Motor Vehicle
Apprenticeship starts were down to 400 in the school year 09/10 from 427 the year before and Apprenticeship programmes are open to people aged 16 to 25 and vary in length from one to five years, leading to formal certificated qualifications which are recognised across all industry sectors.
The training is funded by the Government as long as accredited training providers are used and businesses often benefit from providing the placement for the young people by identifying well motivated, enthusiastic learners who go on to become trusted and valuable team members. It’s a fact that a large percentage of senior managers in companies start life in those companies’ apprenticeship programmes.
Any Bolton Business interested in finding out more about taking on an apprentice can contact Ebrahim Karolia on 01204 337130 or e-mail ebrahim.karolia@bolton.gov.uk.
Young people wanting to know more should contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150600.
Business owners or anyone seeking assistance with employment issues other than apprenticeships, either recruiting or job seeking should contact a recommended local recruitement agency like 'Good People Services'.
