Remote training from apprenticeships helps young people

Apprenticeships for Liverpool, provided by St Helens Chamber, have been delivering remote training to local young people to help boost their employability and chances of finding an apprenticeship once lockdown ends.

John Westhead, director of training services at St Helens Chamber, explained: “We wanted to ensure that aspiring apprentices didn’t have to wait for things to get back to ‘normal’ to start training, so our team created a remote pre-apprenticeship course.

“Delivered through a combination of online and telephone support, prospective apprentices can work on their CV and softer skills that are attractive to employers whilst working closely with career coaches to apply for our exclusive local vacancies.”

The remote pre-apprenticeship training has already seen great success, with young people responding well and working hard to continue their learning under difficult circumstances.

Apprenticeships for Liverpool are taking applications from any young person who would like to use this time to boost their employability skills, giving them a chance to get ahead of the competition when employers start to recruit again after COVID-19 subsides.

John Westhead said: “The fresh ideas and energy of apprentices are going to be key for employers as they get back on their feet. We still have some apprenticeship vacancies available now, but we’re expecting to see a rise in demand for talented young people in the next couple of months, so want to make sure we have a pool of great candidates ready to fill that demand.”

Apprenticeships for Liverpool is also currently recruiting for three exciting study programmes, starting in September 2020. Lasting seven months, these unique programmes give students the opportunity to gain work experience, nationally recognised qualifications, a guaranteed interview for a Level 3 apprenticeship and many perks including paid study trips.

Laura Brogden, young people’s development manager at St Helens Chamber, said: “We hope to be back delivering training in Merseyside Youth Association as soon as it is safe and we’re now also recruiting for our study programmes starting in September.

“Students on the previous study programmes have seen great success and the programme has accelerated their careers; so we’re looking forward to welcoming a new cohort in September.”

Study programmes will be offered in accounting, digital marketing and international trade and logistics and will be delivered in both Liverpool and St Helens.