Manchester City Council launches apprenticeship scheme

A team of young people from Manchester are on their way to building a better future for themselves and their local communities, thanks to a new apprenticeship scheme being introduced by national training provider Train’d Up, employer Eberhardt Solutions and Manchester City Council.

Around 28 unemployed young people have successfully signed up for the Fencing Installation & Maintenance Intermediate Apprenticeship training course that started on 31 October 2011.

Louise McCallum, general manager at Train’d Up said: “Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to earn an income whilst they learn new skills and gain practical experience. Thanks to the strong partnership we have formed with Manchester City Council, we are able to deploy the apprentices into local parks and communities whilst they are training. This means that the work they undertake will have the added benefit of improving and enhancing the local environment.

“Ultimately, the skills, experience and qualifications that the apprentices will gain, will give them the opportunity for future employment and training in a specialist subject area.”

Peter Stevenson, recruitment manager (UK) Eberhardt Solutions said: “Getting young people in to work is not only good for them, but it also helps stimulate both the local and national economy. We are delighted to be involved in this initiative which not only offers excellent job prospects, but it demonstrates the commitment of the partners involved to work together in a socially responsible way for the benefit of society.”

Cllr Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, with specific responsibility for employment and skills commented: “We are delighted to be supporting these young people as they set about improving their own skills and prospects, whilst making a positive contribution to local Manchester communities. The training will not only raise the environmental awareness amongst young people, it will improve the network of paths and park amenities for all around our great city.

“The training will provide the apprentices with an opportunity for progression to Advanced Apprenticeships in Fencing, or it will allow other local employers to recruit trained competent individuals with specific skill sets at a time when the cost of employee development may be prohibitive.”