At celebration to mark success of the schemes and encourage local employers

The celebration was organised by the Wandsworth Apprenticeship Partnership which includes the area's main course providers - South Thames College , Wandsworth Council, Rechere and Passage Training and Jace.

Between them these organisations have well over 500 appetencies on their books and established links with around 275 local employers. They offer a vast range of courses covering everything from business and civil engineering, to hairdressing and hospitality.

An apprentice is paid a wage by his or her employer and works alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, they receive extra training towards nationally recognised qualifications at a local college or training provider.  Course can take between one and four years to complete.

Wandsworth Council's education spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said:

"Investing in motivated, willing-to-learn young people will have massive benefits for the future development of your business. These individuals will be inexpensive to employ over the short-term, and will soon develop into skilled, qualified workers with an intimate knowledge of how your company works.

She continued:
"There is help available to deal with any administration tasks involved in taking on an apprentice and employers of all shapes and sizes can benefit.   For many young people apprenticeships offer a vital route to a recognised qualification and skilled employment. Because they are paid from the start it can be more affordable than other education routes and the early exposure to a live working environment is considered a major advantage by employers."

Sue Rimmer OBE, Principal, South Thames College said:

"We were delighted to be able to host the event to celebrate National Apprenticeships Week and were glad to have employers present as well as representatives from the National Apprenticeships Service and our guest speaker Jane Ellison MP. Over 70 delegates attended from across London .

Congratulations to the employers recognised for their commitment to delivering apprenticeships in the borough".

The celebratory event took place on Wednesday 9 February at South Thames College to coincide with the National Apprentice Week campaign.

Special guests included the Mayor or Wandsworth Cllr Piers McCausland and MP for Battersea Jane Ellison.

Courses available through the Wandsworth Apprenticeship Partnership include:

• Beauty Therapy
• Business
• Administration
• Catering
• Childcare
• Civil Engineering
• Electro-technical Services
• Hairdressing
• Health and Social Care
• Heating and Ventilation
• Hospitality
• IT
• Learning and Development
• Library and Information Services
• Motorcycle Engineering
• Oral Health.
• Playwork
• Plumbing
• Sports
• Sports and Leisure
• Teaching Assistants

February 23, 2011