Apprenticeship Campaign for Cornwall

A new campaign which is aiming to produce a further 1,000 apprenticeships for young people in Cornwall was officially launched on Thursday, 15 August.

The latest research shows that there are currently around 5,000 young people in more than 80 different types of apprenticeships across Cornwall.  These include accountancy, animal care, hospitality services, retail, vehicle maintenance and repair and veterinary nursing.

The Cornwall Apprenticeships campaign aims to provide employers, young people and their parents and carers with information and guidance about apprenticeships.  Activities will include employer road shows, skills fairs and "have a go" events.  The website contains detailed information about apprenticeships and will act as the gateway to apprenticeship training in Cornwall.

Cornwall Apprenticeships represents the Cornwall Training Provider Network (CTPN), whose members provide first class apprenticeship training. The members are Cornwall College Business, DCET Training, DMT Business Services, Duchy College, Education and Training Skills, Focus Training (SW) Ltd, GHQ Training, GP Strategies and Truro & Penwith College Business.

"Apprenticeships are a real job with training and are a great way for young people to start their career" said Jason Sugden, from Cornwall Apprenticeships campaign. "Providing apprenticeships for our young people will help us to bring more young people into work and develop their skills".  

Andrew Pidgeon, a marketing apprentice in the public sector, said "I decided that an apprenticeship was the ideal way for me to progress. It allows me to earn a wage, gain essential work experience and nationally recognised qualifications, all whilst being able to still live at home.  When I finished college it felt like my progression had ground to a halt, but I now feel that my career is really moving forward! The appeal of an Apprenticeship is that it allows you to find a career that you want to advance, whilst gaining that all important work experience and portfolio that employers will be looking for as they recruit."

Jonathan Roberts set up J Roberts Joinery, Newquay over 15 years ago as a one-man-band.  The company now comprises three employees, including one apprentice. "I needed to recruit a new member of staff to help meet the increasing workload and wanted someone who was mature and willing to work hard so I could coach them and shape them to fit in with the business" said Jonathan.  "Ryan has come a long way and really proven himself as a joiner.  As a result of the success of Ryan's apprenticeship I am now considering taking on another apprentice to help my business grow".

Jill Carr, HR Director and Apprenticeship Ambassador at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, is a firm supporter of apprenticeships.  "We are great believers in the benefits that employing apprentices can bring to a business.  We have a rolling programme at Pendennis and on average take on 10 apprentices every year.  Each one of them brings new ideas and enthusiasm which has a positive impact on the bottom line of our business".   

Funding for the campaign is coming from the new Skills Support for the Workforce project, an ESF Convergence supported programme, and from the National Apprenticeship Service.

 

Mark Yeoman, Head of ESF Convergence Communication, said, "Skills are a key driver of business success. Apprenticeships are an ideal way in which to kick-start both top quality training guided by business needs and experience real world employment and career development opportunities. ESF Convergence investment is playing its part in developing the skills needed by businesses both now and into the future". 

The campaign also has the backing of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.  "The current economic recession means that it has become increasingly difficult for young people to find work" said Chris Pomfret, Chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.  "One of the key principles of the LEP Strategy is to provide great careers here in Cornwall by retaining and nurturing local talent whilst also focusing on improving the competitiveness of our local businesses.  This campaign will help us retain this local talent in Cornwall and create a workforce with the craft, technical and professional skills we need to deliver economic and social growth".

For further information about Cornwall Apprenticeships and the positive impact they could have on your business, career or family please visit the website.