A-level results day: Consider an apprenticeship, says top training adviser
Anyone still undecided what to do after getting their exam results should consider an apprenticeship, a top training adviser has said.
Gill Durkin, a director at Performance Through People, said students should contact the Express & Star-led Ladder for the Black Country and Ladder for Staffordshire campaign to find out what opportunities there are available.
Available apprenticeships range from engineering and manufacturing roles to administration and healthcare.
Mrs Durkin said: "It is not just a case that those who do not get the grades they wanted should consider apprenticeship, it should be those who are celebrating too.
"There is such a ride variety of apprenticeships available that they are worth looking everyone looking at.
"Apprenticeships aren't a second class alternative to university, they are a tried and tested conduit to highly successful careers.
"As well as getting training on the job, you also receive a wage.
"Apprenticeships should not be seen as only a route for those who do not do well in their exams."
The Ladder for the Black Country is a partnership between the Express & Star, PTP, the Vine Trust charity in Walsall, and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Since being created 11 months ago, it has seen 650 apprenticeships pledged by more than 100 employers.
The Ladder for Staffordshire has seen more than 100 apprenticeships created since being launched this summer.
Mrs Durkin added: "The Ladder is an ideal communication tool for young people or parents and support workers to contact and be put in touch with the vacancies on offer across the region.
"So I would urge young people to give us a call to discuss their options."
According to a poll by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), 63 per cent of companies do not think schools understand the advantages apprenticeships can bring to some of their students. Just one in 10 firms believes schools appreciate the benefits of apprenticeships.
The ECA surveyed 216 of its members. and Carolyn Mason, the association's head of education and training, said: "Far too many schools careers advisers are blindly leading our young people away from apprenticeships – even if an apprenticeship is the most suitable option for them.
"It's concerning that all the benefits of engineering apprenticeships in particular – which naturally include being paid a wage, but also learning a skilled trade, gaining real-life working experience, and the possibility of significant career opportunities – are not being communicated."
To find out about apprenticeship opportunities call the Ladder team on 03332 409 699.
