Seventy employers have backed a campaign to help young people across the borough take their first steps into the world of work.
More than 100 apprenticeship opportunities have been created for young people through a campaign launched by Oldham College and Oldham Council.
The 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days campaign, launched in May, has exceeded its target, with 70 employers coming forward to pledge opportunities for people aged 16 to 24.
Apprenticeships have been offered across a wide range of sectors, including digital, education, construction, accounting, business administration, horticulture and care.
Young people have already been recruited and started apprenticeships as a direct result of the campaign.
Among the organisations offering multiple apprenticeship opportunities were Oldham Council, First Choice Homes Oldham, Halton Council, Guiding Light Childcare and St George’s Care.
The campaign was launched as young people were preparing to leave school and college and consider their next steps, with apprenticeships offering the opportunity to earn while gaining valuable experience and qualifications.
For employers, the scheme also provides a route to recruiting new talent and developing the skills needed within their workforce.
Oldham College currently supports around 800 apprentices every year, working with employers across Oldham and the wider area.
Lisa Liddy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeship and Skills at Oldham College, said: “I want to thank every employer that got behind the campaign.
“The real success is what those opportunities mean for young people. It’s a chance to get into work, learn new skills and start building their careers.
“We’ve had 70 employers come forward, which shows just how much support there is for apprenticeships and for developing new talent.
“We’re not stopping at 100. We’ll keep working with employers to create more opportunities and make sure local young people have the skills businesses need.”
James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council, said: “Apprenticeships give young people a route into work and the chance to build their skills, while helping businesses develop the workforce they need.
“We want more young people to be able to build their careers locally and more businesses to have access to the skills they need. This campaign has helped us do both.”
And the end of the 100-day campaign will not mean the end of the push to create more apprenticeship opportunities.
The college is continuing to expand its apprenticeship offer in response to the needs of employers and local industries, with seven new apprenticeship programmes launching this week.
The new programmes cover areas including gas engineering, electrical installation, property maintenance, education, early years and oral health.
The college is also introducing Foundation Apprenticeships, aimed mainly at young people aged 16 to 21 who have no previous qualifications or experience.
The entry-level apprenticeships provide training and experience across a broad occupational area and can lead to employment or a more specialised apprenticeship.
The college’s Apprenticeships team will continue to support businesses looking to recruit apprentices, including help with vacancies, finding candidates, onboarding, training and funding.
Employers interested in taking on an apprentice can find out more here: www.oldham.ac.uk/employers/take-on-an-apprentice/
You must be logged in to post a comment.