Young people encouraged to attend apprentice event

Young people from throughout Renfrewshire are being encouraged to attend a special event designed to showcase the benefits of a modern apprenticeship.

Renfrewshire Council is organising the one-off information evening on Tuesday 21 May, from 6 to 7.30pm.

It will take place in the Youth Employability Hub at Assurance House, 17-19 Gauze Street, Paisley.

The event – taking place as part of Scottish Modern Apprentice Week – is targeted at pupils in S4-6, and young people aged between 16 and 19 who have left school but are not already in further education.

Young people who sign up for a modern apprenticeship receive on-the-job training from their employer, who supports them through a relevant vocational qualification.

Those attending on the night will get the chance to speak to representatives of around a dozen local companies with their own training programmes.

Also there will be representatives of the council’s own modern apprenticeship programme, which offers office-based and craft apprenticeships within a variety of areas.

The programme has just been launched for 2013 and opportunities in horticulture, bricklaying and painting and decorating are currently available on the MyJobScotland website.

The council’s MA scheme was recently honoured at a prestigious national awards ceremony, when it was named the joint-winner of the Apprentice Award category at the s1jobs recruitment awards.

There will also be a ‘meet the apprentice’ feature allowing visitors to speak to young people who have benefited from apprenticeships, and who can answer questions about their own experiences.

Staff from Skills Development Scotland – which funds modern apprenticeships in Scotland – will be there, while advisors from Renfrewshire Employability Partnership will be on hand to talk young people and their parents through their options.

Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Jobs Policy Board, said: “Modern apprenticeships are a great way for young people to learn practical job skills, while also picking up a vocational qualification.

“The council’s MA programme has proved very popular over the years and has now been recognised as among the best of its kind in the country.

“There will also be a number of other major local employers there on the night, all of whom have their own training programmes, which could open the door to a great career for those involved.

“This event will allow young people and their parents to get a feel for what might be out there for them, and I would encourage them to go along on the night.”

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X