Dragon’s academy to offer advanced apprenticeships

A NEW Advanced Level Apprenticeship qualification has been launched in Manchester by the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

The qualification will be taught at the Churchgate Academy in Manchester and will offer students on-the-job training working with businesses in areas such as business development or as project officers, as well as classroom-based study.

Academy founder and Dragons’ Den judge Peter Jones said: “With more than one million 16-24 year olds in Britain currently unemployed, it is now a national priority to offer this ‘missing million’ new skills and opportunities to survive in this tough economic climate.

“The new apprenticeship will enable young people to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and bring a fresh approach to their work place.”  

Lesley Jamison, managing director of Stockport based LE-AL Furniture, will be one of the first businesses to use the scheme.

She said: “As a manufacturer of Executive Office furniture with a substantial export market, we are particularly focused on retaining traditional skills and committed to the introduction and development of young apprentices who bring an entrepreneurial attitude to the workplace.

“It is particularly heartening to see one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs throwing their weight behind the need to give our youngsters hope for their future.”