Apprenticeship Programme
COALFIELDS REGENERATION CHARITY TACKLES YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT WITH NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
National regeneration charity The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is investing in the futures of 289 young people in England’s former coalfields through its Coalfields National Apprenticeship programme.
With youth unemployment reported to tip over the 1 million mark, this programme will be a real boost for young people struggling to find work.
The programme will focus on young people aged between 16 and 25, who are more than twice as likely, to be out of work than older people. However in recognition of the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) over 200 apprenticeships will be created for 16 to 18 year olds.
The apprenticeships which will provide an opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ will be available in a wide variety of industries and occupations including catering, retail, customer service, youth work, care work, horticulture, furniture production, construction, plumbing, electrics, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, finance, housing, HR, law, health, sport, leisure and business administration.
Gary Ellis – CEO of the Trust said:
“Former coalfield communities have been badly hit by the economic downturn and this has compounded the problems already experienced by young people. This programme is a direct response to help young people into work and create a strong platform for their future aspirations.”
The Trust will be investing £739,256 in the programme and this has attracted more than £1.6m of additional funds from partner organisations to make it happen. Each apprenticeship will run for a minimum of 12 months and young people will start taking up the opportunities over the next three months.
Case Study
Danielle Trett of Bedlington is 24 years of age and has been unemployed for two years. She has had previous employment in the past, just nothing that has lasted or given her opportunities.
She has applied for hundreds of jobs and although she has reached the interview stage on numerous occasions she has always faltered at the last hurdle. Unfortunately Danielle has a minor unspent criminal conviction and she also feels that her sexuality has also hindered her in getting a job.
Danielle turned to Castle Morpeth Disability Association in her job search. She wanted an apprenticeship to give her a trade, something which she is good at and can carry forward into further employment or possible self employment. Castle Morpeth Disability Association have been able to offer her a place on the Coalfields National Apprenticeship programme as an apprentice electrician.
Danielle started her first day on the job with Northumberland Council’s Street Lighting last week. She has loved every minute of it so far and already feels much happier in herself. She’s already looking forward to starting her formal training with Northumberland College.
