Leading Conservative Councillors from South Cambridgeshire District Council are planning to boost the number of apprenticeships available in the area on the back of Government funding recently announced by Chris Grayling, Conservative Minister for Employment.

As part of this Youth Contract, a further 20,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers will be available to encourage small and medium employers to recruit their first 16 to 24 year old apprentice, taking the total number to 40,000 throughout England – and receive £1,500 into the bargain for each trainee.  

Sasha Henry, who lives in Bourn, has been an apprentice hairdresser for the last two years, having attended Comberton Village College before becoming an apprentice and doing in-house training at Seanhanna Limited in Cambridge.

She has some sensible advice for those looking for work.  “I’d thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship as you get a great idea of how a salon really works,” says Sasha.

“You can find out whether you like it or not and whether you can get on with your work colleagues and if your personality is going to fit in with your chosen career.

“I know now that I want to be a hairdresser for the rest of my working life – and I’m hoping my present employer will take me on full time,” she says. 

Her advice to youngsters thinking about becoming an apprentice is:

• Get a proper contract so that you are not taken advantage of.
• Keep at it – you have good weeks and bad weeks, but your commitment will show to any future employer. 
• If possible, try it out as a part-time job first to get a feel for the job.

“It would be good if there were more apprenticeships around as the training is invaluable – that’s why this scheme is fantastic,” Sasha added.   “www.apprenticeships.org.uk is a good website – but you have to go out there and do something about it.  It doesn’t come to you, you have to look.”

Cllr Nick Wright, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at SCDC says “The Government’s Youth Contract will aid young people into work.  It will enable 16 to 24 year olds to train for suitable employment.

“For small and medium businesses, the scheme will help to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.  The Conservative Group will support the Youth Contract and promote it across the district of South Cambridgeshire.”

Meanwhile, Cambrigeshire County Council has also announced an apprenticeship inititive...

County Council supports initiative to encourage apprenticeships

With youth unemployment at record highs, Cambridgeshire County Council is laying down the challenge to businesses and organisations to create 4,000 new apprenticeships by this time next year. 

The Cabinet also agreed an ambition to help generate 1,000 new apprenticeships through the activities of Cambridgeshire County Council, its contractors and partners over the next year. 

This will be through its activities as part of a new strategy to kick start a surge in apprenticeships across the county. 

The authority will also be encouraging its partners to develop apprenticeship schemes of their own and will be looking at better ways to buy services to reduce the number of young people who are currently unemployed.

Contact South Cambridgeshire District Council

• Phone  03450 450 500.
• Fax  01954 713 149.
• E-mail  scdc@scambs.gov.uk.
• Website  www.scambs.gov.uk.

 Contact Cambridgeshire County Council

• Phone  0345 045 520.
• Fax  01480 376748.
• Minicom  01480 376743 (NB same number as the District Council).
• E-mail  info@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
• Website  www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Your local District and County Councillors

• District Council  List of all councillors.
• County Council  List of all councillors.

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