News
New Apprenticeship Programme is Underway
5 February 2013
We are very pleased our new apprenticeship programme is underway and we have started advertising for young people to apply for the very first places.
The project, called ‘A Foundation for Work’ is open to disadvantaged young people who currently are not in employment, education or training.
All our apprentices will follow a tailored and highly supportive plan with opportunities for valuable work experience and to gain recognised vocational qualifications whilst being in paid employment.
They will also be offered the chance to learn the skills and behaviour needed for life in the workplace; how to secure long term work and how to overcome any barriers to this route for the future.
Graham Watson, Director of Seckford Foundation said: “We will be starting with three to four apprentices within grounds, catering and business administration. They will work with a training provider and each one will have a dedicated mentor who will support and guide them at every step of their progress.
“We are looking to develop links with local businesses that may be able to support us in this initiative to help young people into work whether through financial support, providing training opportunities or further placements.”
Suffolk MP, Matthew Hancock who is also Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (skills) (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) with responsibility for apprenticeships issupporting this initiative and said: “Over 500,000 apprenticeships were started in the last year and they are a key part of equipping people with the skills they need for the workplace.
“It is great news that the Seckford Foundation is launching its ‘Foundation for Work’ programme, which I hope will be of enormous benefit to the young people who are part of it. They will gain valuable skills whilst earning a fair wage for their work. The tailored support and guaranteed interviews for relevant vacancies will ensure they make the most out of the 12 months.”
Full details of the apprenticeship programme can be obtained by calling West Suffolk College on 01284 716335, or at apprenticeships@wsc.ac.uk or if you would like to talk to someone at the Seckford Foundation about this new programme please call Jackie Farrall on 01394 615172.