NAS: GCSE results day opens up a pool of Apprenticeship talent to businesses
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Nick Wilson, regional director for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in Yorkshire and the Humber: With thousands of students receiving their GCSE results across Yorkshire and the Humber this week, now is the time for businesses to think about snapping up a young apprentice from this expansive pool of talent. Many 16 year olds receiving their results may prefer to earn while they learn and will now be turning to local employers for an Apprenticeship opportunity to help kick-start their career. Brimming with drive and enthusiasm, young apprentices have so much to offer to companies looking to mould their workforce and make a real difference to their bottom line. It’s been another tough year so far for businesses and the economy, and yet more companies from a wealth of sectors could be reaping the many benefits that an apprentice can bring. I’ve commented before about Apprenticeships being the lifeblood of the region’s economy and feel this viewpoint is even more widely felt in the current climate, especially after worrying recent reports of a double-dip recession. The true value of an apprentice to businesses was compounded by recent research which revealed that apprentices will deliver a return on investment of £1.2 billion* within six years, if every employer hires just one new apprentice. Apprentices offer young people a training route which combines work-based learning with theory and a recognised qualification, whilst employers experience a range of benefits when hiring an apprentice, including motivated, skilled staff and increased productivity. One of the UK’s biggest retailers is just one of those companies to be benefitting from giving a young talented apprentice the opportunity to shine. Marks and Spencers provided a 50-day Apprenticeship placement to 17-year old Uzma Zahid from Bradford, to give her a detailed glimpse of all aspects of its retail business. She worked on the shop floor and behind the scenes, all the time developing her organisational and creative skills, as well as overcoming her shyness to be happy working individually or as part of a team. At the end of her placement Uzma was offered a part time position at Marks and Spencer as well as being awarded the title of regional ‘Young Apprentice of the Year’ at the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship awards 2010. Another apprentice is Angus Rumgay from Leeds, who at 15, didn’t think that A-Levels were the right route for him, but knew he had a passion for mechanical engineering. He decided to take part in a mechanical engineering Apprenticeship, and after completing an aptitude test and interview with Leeds Training Trust (LTT), went on to be offered a placement at one of the world’s leading industrial pump manufacturers, Sulzer Pumps UK in Leeds. As part of his Apprenticeship, he received lots of hands on training, whilst working his way towards a BTEC National Certificate course. He excelled throughout his Apprenticeship and has now been offered a placement as Field Services Engineer based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he now works full time. These are just two examples of apprentices who are making giant strides within their career and the companies which are reaping the many benefits from giving them the opportunity. For those looking to recruit an apprentice from the talented pool of school-leavers currently considering their future, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is on hand to provide a comprehensive network of services and support to employers. With the cost and hassle of recruiting an employee often a stumbling block for many companies, the NAS has simplified and streamlined the process, thanks to its online Apprenticeship vacancies service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk . This hassle-free online matching service is helping thousands of businesses to find apprentices that match their needs, in a way that will reduce time and money spent on recruiting. On the flip side, it’s also helping put young people in touch with Apprenticeship places spanning 180 career choices over 90 industry sectors. The process of hiring an apprentice could not be simpler, so why not transform your business today? To find out more about Apprenticeships and the support available to employers, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.
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