THE news has been depressing of late.

Economic problems and redundancies have dominated the headlines, painting a dire picture for young people leaving school, college or university.

Those already in work who may have wanted to retrain by choice or out of necessity could also be forgiven for thinking the situation was hopeless.

So it was refreshing to see a series of events celebrating apprenticeships in Worcestershire during last week’s national apprenticeship week.

Even better were figures that showed that record levels of people started an apprenticeship last year.

In England, 279,700 started their career this way, while in the West Midlands, 31,720 started an apprenticeship in 2009/10 – a 12.2 per cent increase on the previous year.

The number of completed apprenticeships also went up, which is good news for the Government as it wants to train more than 300,000 apprentices in 2011-12 as part of its skills strategy.

In Worcestershire, there were dozens of events organised by employers, learning providers and skills organisations to highlight apprenticeships.

Among them were senior staff from Worcester College of Technology, who agreed to spend a day in industry with apprentices.

They went to spend time with children’s learning and development apprentices, students working towards NVQs in supporting teaching, and learning and construction workers.

Andy Horton, the college’s head of faculty in skills and technology, went to the Elms hotel in Abberley, near Worcester, to work as an apprentice chef.

Mr Horton said: “I was an apprentice carpenter back in the early 1980s – and I think I’m the only former apprentice in the college’s senior management team.

“I think it’s a fantastic thing and we need to encourage take-up by young people and employers.

“It’s an opportunity for a young person to earn and learn at the same time and pick up skills from skilled craftspeople along the way.

“It’s tried and tested and there are proven benefits.”

But just how difficult is it to find an apprenticeship?

Mr Horton said: “In the current climate it’s quite difficult but if that’s what people want to do and they are determined, then they usually come good and can find somewhere.”

One youngster who is already benefiting from an apprenticeship scheme is Portia Smith.

As an NVQ level two hairdressing apprentice, Miss Smith, aged 16, trains at the hair training academy in Worcester one day a week and works at Diva hair and beauty in Copenhagen Street for the rest of the week. The former Nunnery Wood High School pupil said: “I’ve been here since August and I assist all the stylists if they need help washing off colours and blow drying.

“I worked at Diva on Saturdays when I was at school and when I left, I was really interested in hairdressing and they offered me a full-time job.

“There are lots of people who are looking for jobs in salons so it’s quite hard to find a place. So if you do get offered the chance to do one, it’s really good.”

Miss Smith said she felt working while she was still training was the best option.

She said: “If you just went to college and did hairdressing, it’s not as good because having a job as well gives you experience of really working in a salon.

“You can see firsthand what they’ve got to do and what the job is really.”

There’s good news too for people looking for apprenticeships in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service, there are possibilities for occupations such as nurse cadet, business administration and optical assistant. Businesses involved include Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, the University of Worcester and Specsavers.

Karen Woodward, regional director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the West Midlands, said people can visit the organisation’s website at apprenticeships.com and register with its vacancies services.

She said: “It’s always really tough for people to get their foot on the career ladder, so apprenticeship vacancies is there to help.

“Apprenticeships are real jobs with quality training.

“They boost skills, provide qualifications and give the apprentice the chance for a fresh start.”

She also said local employers who would like to find out more about employing an apprentice can visit the website or call 08000 150600.

􀁥 Education reporter Claire Fry is on holiday.