Giving youngsters a leg up

Few people really want to be going, cap in hand, to the Government to help them get by every month.

But the sad reality is that even while Britain's economy has recovered – and Shropshire's has done so in tandem – many young people have still fallen through the gaps.

Youth unemployment has been described, at its worst point, as "a cancer in our society", but the fightback is on.

A lot of work has gone into alleviating the problem, with Telford demonstrating impressive results by focusing the energies of its development, business and employment department on the issue over the course of the last year, helping it shed its reputation as a youth unemployment blackspot.

The Ladder for Shropshire Campaign is the next stage in helping bring those young people who have slipped through the cracks move into the world of work.

It is aimed at those apprenticeships created during the course of the campaign, with hopes high that dozens of people can escape Jobseekers' Allowance using the training.

And it has been endorsed by a number of existing apprentices who have already found themselves in new roles, as well as the companies who are helping them develop their skills.

Dairy equipment manufacturer Fullwood, which is based in Ellesmere, is one Shropshire employer that has already embraced apprenticeships.

To support the company's growth, human resources manager Wendy Williams looked to recruit and train new members of staff.

After discussing future planning with SBC Training, Fullwood recruited eight apprentices in the engineering, business and administration, manufacturing and storage and warehousing departments – and plans to offer many permanent contracts at the conclusion of their training.

"The apprenticeship scheme has helped to create foundations for us to plan our future by growing and developing our workforce," said Mrs Williams.

"The apprentices are trained and supported in the workplace by us, gaining skills and confidence. They also attend workshops with SBC Training.

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome and we look forward to continuing with apprenticeships."

Engineering apprentice Alistair Kerr added: "apprenticeships are brilliant opportunities if you want to get into work and start earning money.

"The training is a mixture of classroom sessions and practical workshops. This gives you a chance to learn in a way that suits you."

His colleague, Josh Sumner, said: "I think it is great to be able to work my way up through the company whilst gaining skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships can help you to find your future career."

Thorntons Solicitors, based on the Shrewsbury Business Park, has been recruiting apprentices with County Training since October 2009, with partner Stephen Thornton advocating apprenticeships as a method of developing employees.

A small business, Thorntons recruited its first apprentice, Emily Parker, as the company was establishing itself.

Emily, who had just completed her A-levels, secured a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and is now being supported further, through training, to become a property conveyancer.

"Recruiting apprentices has enabled us to develop and mould young people within the partnership, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to progress their careers and become an essential and very valuable asset to the Thorntons workforce," Mr Thornton said.

"Emily used the apprenticeship as an opportunity to learn as much as she could about the partnership enabling her to select an area of law that she wished to specialise in.

"I was more than happy to support her with this additional development following the commitment and enthusiasm she demonstrated throughout her apprenticeship."

Since her appointment, Thorntons has recruited Poppy Way, 22, Ellie Arnold, 21, and recently, Lauren Adderley who are also working towards Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships in Business and Administration.

Zoe Bradshaw, a 21-year-old chef with Holroyd Howe, the independent caterer for Shrewsbury School, is one apprentice who has enjoyed a real benefit from being in her role.

She landed a top accolade, the Spirit Award, at the Baxter Storey Chef Academy Graduation Ceremony.

The prize includes a daytime and evening service with the award winning Alyn Williams, owner and head chef at The Westbury in Mayfair, London, and comes thanks to the commitment she has shown towards her career in the hospitality industry since starting as an apprentice chef in 2011.

In addition to her chef academy achievements, Zoe has also completed Level 2 and 3 Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeships with County Training.

As a result of her hard work and commitment over the past three-and-a-half years, Zoe has now been promoted to a team leader position to enable her to continue developing and learning new skills as both a chef and manager. She said: "I'm really excited about this fantastic opportunity and what the future holds.

"I feel incredibly lucky to be in a career I am passionate about. My vocational training, the chef's academy and support from my manager has kept me focused on achieving my goals every step of the way."

Head chef Mark Johnson, who has worked closely with County Training for 12 years, was also a winner at the event, scooping the "Trainer of the Year" award, for the part he has played in Zoe's achievements.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for Children's Services added: "As a county we are really proud of Zoe.

"She is a shining example of what apprenticeships are all about – a structured training programme, commitment and the aspiration to continuously improve and aim higher. She has achieved a huge amount at such a young age and I wish her continued success in the future."