Apprenticeships - the answer to our ‘forgotten teens?’
The national headlines have been flooded this week with reports detailing the rise in the number of teenage Neets (Not in Education, Employment or Training); dubbed ‘the forgotten teens’. A recent Audit Commission highlighted that a staggering 10% of 16-18 year olds are now Neets. Whilst there is fierce competition for jobs, a Lifetime apprenticeship could offer many 16-18 year olds the career lifeline they are looking for.
In the next few months, thousands more young people will attempt to enter the jobs market. While there is a shortage of jobs in many sectors, the active leisure and fitness sector is still buoyant and Lifetime is offering government funded apprenticeships across the UK to help young people step onto the career ladder in roles that include fitness instructor, lifeguard and assistant sports coach.
Statistics cited this week also state that college and university graduates are facing fierce competition for jobs with an average of 70 candidates applying for ever position (The Independent, July 2010).
Nigel Wallace, Director of training at Lifetime, comments: “Universities and colleges of further education play a vital role in training our future workforce but school leavers should consider all their options. Apprenticeships offer on the job training which is of real value to both employers and employees.
Free of charge open days, hosted by Lifetime, across the country over the summer, will offer school leavers the chance to explore employment paths in the health and fitness industry. 16-18 year olds are invited to talk with Lifetime tutors and find out more about training opportunities, plus the type of jobs on offer in leisure centres and health clubs.
Wallace continues: “Employers across the UK seek applicants that can prove real-life, hands on work experience – an apprenticeship provides just that. Young people enrolling on apprenticeship programmes have the opportunity to gain employment or work placement (paid or voluntary) with some of the country’s leading health club or leisure centre operators. Practical apprenticeships provide an appealing and engaging solution for young people that can open the door to their dream career.”
