STUNELL URGES GOVERNMENT TO HELP YOUNG APPRENTICES

Andrew Stunell MP called on the Government to extend Traineeships to under 16s following the announcement of the scheme recently which aims to prepare young people for jobs and apprenticeships.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"Werneth School should be proud of the way they have helped to engage young people and give them a toe-hold in the world of work. The unique thing at Werneth is that it works for 14-16 year olds who otherwise might never have got their act together."

"I've been badgering Business Secretary Vince Cable to copy their model so I'm delighted that the new national traineeship scheme is to be along the same lines."

Margaret Roberts, Applied Learning Coordinator at Werneth School, commented -

"At Werneth School we identify students in year 9 who would benefit from a different learning route. These young people have poor attendance in school; have difficulties maintaining behaviour and the 5 day curriculum."

"These students attend College one day per week and go into a work placement one day per week. This has been very successful as the students have great achievements, improved behaviour and attendance. They also have a foot in a door of future opportunities in FE, Employment and Apprenticeships."

Traineeships is a new programme for young people who want to work, but who need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Traineeships will give these young people the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers require.

Traineeships will be introduced from August 2013 for 16- to 24-year-olds (and young people with learning difficulty assessments up to academic age 25).

For more information on Traineeships, visit -

http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/qandlearning/traineeships