MP adds weight to scheme to help the young find work (From Worcester News)

MP adds weight to scheme to help the young find work

2:50pm Monday 8th August 2011 in 100 in 100 days

THE Worcester News 100 in 100 Apprentices campaign has secured a most influential backer.

Worcester’s MP Robin Walker has thrown his weight behind the initiative by offering to take on an apprentice to work in his office.

“We are looking for someone who is keen to learn office administration and hopefully someone who might already have a little bit of an interest in politics,” he said.

“They will be provided with training by the Worcester College of Technology for one day a week and targeted training in the work of an MP’s constituency office by my caseworker and office manager. I am very much looking forward to meeting the potential candidates during August and to working with them in the months to follow.”

Since being launched on May 18, a total of 48 businesses and individuals have so far signed up to 100 in 100, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service and aims to get 100 Worcester-shire firms committed to taking on apprentices in 100 days.

Mr Walker added: “I am delighted that my office has been able to support the 100 in 100 campaign by advertising for an apprentice in administration to join my staff.

“I think the government has been absolutely right to focus on apprenticeships as an excellent way of getting young people into skilled jobs and I was very keen to play my part in supporting this policy. Nationally, it is exciting the Government managed to create 100,000 more apprenticeships this year, double its original target, but I would like to see still more.

“I was very pleased to find out recently that 400 apprentices have started work in Worcester since the general election, but I strongly believe there is much greater opportunity. If more small organisations – such as my constituency office – are able to take on apprentices providing both paid work and a valuable training in conjunction with local education providers, it can create many more opportunities for vocational training, take more young people out of unemployment and help to raise the skills base.”