SCHOOLS and colleges in the Vale of Evesham and the North Cotswolds are backing a new Young Apprenticeship Scheme launched to extend the learning choices available for 14 to 16-year-olds.

The scheme has been launched by the Learning and Skills Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, a consortium of schools and training providers.

They will be offering 30 Young Apprenticeship places in motor vehicle maintenance to Key Stage 4 pupils in direct response to the local shortage of motor vehicle technicians.

From September this year, students will be able to work with local employers and learning providers towards achieving an Institute of the Motor Industry Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs.

The two-year programme blends classrooms delivery and on the job training in local motor businesses and will develop practical skills relevant to small, family-owned garages and multi-nationals alike.

The collaborative consortium consists of five local schools - Evesham High School, Prince Henry's High School, Evesham, Pershore High School, Chipping Campden High School and Winchcombe High School - and Evesham College will lead the training.

The schools are working in close partnership to offer a wider curriculum choice and more hands-on work experience so maximising their pupils' future employment chances. They anticipate that this motor vehicle programme will be just the first in a number of vocational learning initiatives designed to combat local and regional skill shortages.

Patrick Cosgrove, director of 14 to 19 learning programmes at the local LSC, welcomed the scheme.

He said: "Of the 70,000 businesses within the UK motor trade sector, it is estimated that 23 per cent suffer from an internal skills gap.

Not only will this Young Apprenticeship initiative start to address the local skills shortage but it is the first step in allowing local students the chance to personalise their learning and ultimately increase their employability."