New blog for young people seeking apprenticeships

A new blog aimed at thousands of school leavers and young people wrestling with tough choices about their future working lives has been launched by Shropshire’s largest work-based training provider.

County Training, part of Shropshire Council, says that the new blog – shropshireapprenticeships.com – will aim to encourage young people to ask questions and comment on apprenticeships and the choices available to them.

Kate Gadd, County Training’s admissions and marketing manager, said:

“Thousands of young people are looking for answers and advice on questions like this, and we want the new blog to be the place where they can get it.

“Young people have to make some informed choices about their future and the options available to them.  The new blog will not just provide them expert advice and information about apprenticeships, it will also encourage young people to get involved by posting their comments, questions and opinions.

“The blog will feature posts about the things that young people have told us really matter to them and help them make the right decisions.  Everything from how to perform a successful job interview to tips on writing a CV and covering letter.”

The blog is part of County Training’s new website a drive to encourage young people across Shropshire to consider apprenticeships.

County Training has worked with more than 5,500 employers and managed almost 4,500 apprenticeship starts in the last 10 years.  In the UK as a whole there are currently 130,000 active apprenticeship vacancies.

A growing number of young people see apprenticeships as a great way to start their working lives by earning as they learn, and employers are switching to apprenticeship schemes because they provide them with the skilled employees they will need in the future.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services – transformation and safeguarding, believes the blog will be a big winner among Shropshire’s 16-24 year olds, especially those who are thinking about apprenticeships and want to know more.

“It’s not easy for 16-year-olds who have to make one of the biggest decisions they will ever make, about a job, career or training and education.  The blog will be a place where they can ask questions, get answers and share their thoughts about the choices facing them.  The blog will be the perfect place to share information and experiences and is sure to help young people make better decisions about their future.”

County Training is running a competition as part of the blog’s launch.  Anyone who signs up to the blog and completes an entry form will automatically be entered into a free draw for an iPad mini.

County Training offers apprenticeships in a range of areas including: business and administration, brewing, childcare, education,computer-aided design, customer service, hair and beauty, health and social care, horse management, hospitality and catering, IT, motor vehicle, management and warehouse, and storage.  It provides a wide range of support to both young people looking for that next step in their career, and employers who wish to recruit apprentices and identify recruitment solutions.  For further information contact 0345 678 9023 or visit shropshire.gov.uk/county-training.