From Stockport Council:

Stockport has achieved the highest number of new 16-18 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships in Greater Manchester in a 12 month period in 2010/2011.

A total of a 307 16-18 year olds started an Advanced (L3/A Level standard) Apprenticeship in the borough from July 2010 to July 2011 – a 77% increase on the previous 12 month period.

The figure is the highest in Greater Manchester, and Stockport’s increase is higher than both the North West (23.9%) and national average (23.3%) over the same period.

Stockport’s success is due to a number of factors including:
• New Council initiatives such as the 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme which increases apprenticeship opportunities with employers by grant funding.
• Close working by the Council, colleges and training providers with the National Apprenticeship Service so that expert knowledge is shared by everyone.
• High levels of employer engagement which enables Stockport Council’s 14-19 Service and others to promote apprenticeship vacancies within companies.
• Close liaison with schools, Stockport Homes and other organisations to encourage uptake.
• Promotion of progression pathways from level 2 to level 3 Apprenticeships.
• New providers/businesses increasing their Apprenticeships.
• Increased publicity by the 14-19 service with young people around apprenticeships in schools, and at Council-organised events.

Councillor Stuart Bodsworth, Executive Member for Children & Young People, said: “This is extremely good news especially at this time of increased pressures on youth employment. Over 300 young people have made Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship starts in the borough last year. This demonstrates the excellent close working between the Council’s 14-19 team and employers, schools and other organisations in Stockport.

“Stockport Council strongly supports all forms of educational attainment for our young people, including academic and vocational qualifications. Increasing the number of young people obtaining apprenticeship starts is one of the Council’s key targets,” Cllr Bodsworth added.

   Leave a comment