Young apprentices mean business
A PROGRAMME run by Havering College is following the example set by Britain’s top boss Lord Sugar by giving ambitious young people a taste of the world of work.
Motivated 14 to 16-year-olds accepted onto the college’s Young Apprenticeship scheme get to experience “an education like no other” – just like their counterparts in the hit television series.
The successful candidates spend two of their school years - Years 10 and 11 - combining school with a related BTEC college course and work experience.
The college in Hornchurch, Essex, currently has 38 Young Apprentices in Business Administration and Construction with the programme set to be expanded next year.
The teenagers spend three days in school, one at college and are “hired” for one day a week by an employer.
Companies involved in the Havering College Young Apprenticeship Programme were invited to a ‘thank you’ dinner in the Jubilee Restaurant at the Quarles Campus in Tring Gardens, Harold Hill.
They included bosses and managers from Havering Council, Queens Hospital, Barclays, Morrisons, Brettells and Havering College itself.
With the current Year 11 Young Apprentices about to move on after completing their GCSEs and BTEC qualifications, interviews are currently taking place for the next cohort who will become YAs in Business Administration, Construction, Hospitality or Health and Social Care.
The search is also on for more employers keen to support young people by offering the vital work placements.
Havering College schools liaison work placement officer Brian Stanley said: “It is my aim to recruit as wide a range of employers as possible, to show the students what is out there. It is our belief this will inspire them to work harder and aim higher.
“The Young Apprenticeship Programme is now in its third year at Havering College and has proved very successful. There is no money involved and employers get the benefit of having another person to help with the work, be part of the team and carry out normal everyday tasks.
“There is also the satisfaction of helping students into the world of work and creating a better workforce for the future.”
For further information on how to get involved in the Young Apprenticeship Programme at Havering College call Brian Stanley on 01708 455011 or email bstanley@havering-college.ac.uk
