Ladder for Shropshire: Big career boost for 15 savvy youngsters

The campaign, backed by the Shropshire Star, has so far seen 15 people enter apprenticeships, with organisers expecting a further jump in the numbers finding work amid high interest from employers and young people.

Opportunities remain with 45 companies now linking with the Ladder in Shropshire, creating a total of 75 vacancies between them in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

One apprentice to have found work through the Ladder for Shropshire campaign is 20-year-old Josh Smith, from Shrewsbury.

Bar Motor Company, which buys and sells used cars, moved into new premises in Battlefield Road earlier this year.

That has helped drive a big boost in sales, and has increased the workload for workshop manager Jay Smith, who set about looking for an apprentice to help the business develop.

Now Josh, who lives in Bayston Hill and who had already started his apprentice elsewhere, has helped lighten his workload, and with the company set to branch out into new areas Jay is considering further appointments. "Josh came for a couple of days so we could see what he was like," said Jay, who is not related to the young starter.

"He has been here for three weeks now, and is plainly very, very good at what he does.

"We have expanded massively since we have been here, and have the room to expand again, and Telford College are trying to get me a first year apprentice as well."

He added: "Trying to find fully qualified mechanics that are free and not employed is very hard, and if they are good then often they are going to have a job.

"With apprentices you can point them in the right direction and start from a young age.

"They can build the skills and knowledge across the range, they are keen to learn and they want to get involved with the practical side of things.

"I'm now looking for another one or two mechanics as in the next week or two we will be open to the public for servicing, repairs and MoTs.

"That's going to make us 10 times busier as we are in a prime location."

Josh added: "Ever since I was young I've had a passion for cars. I was approached about doing an apprenticeship, and have been enjoying it ever since."

Jamie Pugh, marketing and development officer for Ladder for Shropshire, said the latest figures demonstrated that people were now capitalising on the roles that have become available.

"We're delighted with these latest figures," he said. "The response from both employers and would-be workers has been breathtaking, and we are really beginning to see the Ladder campaign bearing fruit.

"The benefits of the Ladder are plain for all to see. Employers get the chance to train up their own workforces and pass on the skills that are going to be so essential to the long-term future and sustainability of the business. Young people are getting a chance to enter a business, get a job, and receive the training they need that will set them on the road to a long-term career.

"The 15 people to have already found work thanks to the Ladder have seen these benefits, and now we want to build on that great start to help benefit more young people – and more local businesses."

Among the companies to have taken on staff are Jackson Equestrian Estate Agents in Shrewsbury, Encore Personnel in Wellington, JCE & Sons in Telford, Bar Motors in Shrewsbury, Tiddlywinks Nursery in Shrewsbury and hairdressers Perfect 10 in Bridgnorth.

Apprenticeship roles now being advertised include working in laboratories, with cars, in embroidery, retail, hospitality, engineering, farming, floristry, and scaffolding. Brewing, butchery, and manufacturing are also among the roles up for grabs.

"Mr Pugh said: "By choosing to do an apprenticeship you can continue your education and get real job experience which is what makes it such a great route to go down. The Ladder also has a wealth of contacts at its disposal, making it easier to find the best local training provider to suit each individual's needs."

About Ladder for Shropshire:

The Ladder for Shropshire is an apprenticeship scheme.

And whether you are a business looking at taking on an apprentice or a young person looking for work, there are plenty of benefits to being part of getting involved. We want companies – large, medium and small – to take on apprentices and help them onto the job ladder.

An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes on and off-the-job training. For every apprentice taken, employers may be eligible for a Government grant of £1,500.

More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.

• For full details visit ladderforshropshire.co.uk

• For more information call 0330 999 8441 or 0800 999 8441.

• You can also email ladder@apprentice-providers.co.uk or fill out the online contact form here