Apprentice on Career Ladder thanks to New Employability Initiative

A young Middlesbrough man has a groundbreaking new initiative to thank for helping him take his first step on the career ladder.

22 year-old Jamie Hodgson approached the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) for help to find paid vocational training after being unemployed for over a year.

Jamie initially dealt with NECC's Training Recruitment Service and was referred to its new provision for the unemployed (PfU) employability skills programme, created to help unemployed people develop an understanding of the skills needed to gain employment and training.

Whilst attending the four week course Jamie applied for several jobs and, following a successful interview, was offered a permanent position at Park Surgery in Middlesbrough as a business administration apprentice.

Jamie, who began his apprenticeship in December, said:

"The employability skills programme was very helpful in helping me find work.

"I've now been working towards a business administration qualification for a few months and I'm finding it really enjoyable.

"I have adjusted well and received lots of support from NECC along the way."

Jamie was one of four people who have found employment following enrolment on the programme and it is hoped he will be one of many young people to benefit from the additional support of NECC's PfU employability programme.

The NECC PfU employability skills programme provides individuals with practical support to help them search and apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and also offers further information on employer vacancies across the region.

NECC Director of Training and Skills Development Patricia Wilkinson feels the programme provides a vital means of addressing unemployment in the region while also creating much needed apprenticeship opportunities.

She said:

"I am delighted that we have helped Jamie to find employment after what must have been a frustrating time for him.

"I am also pleased that NECC's new employability skills programme played a significant part in securing his new role.

"The programme is something we feel is unique in the North East and I hope that it will help many other people in the region to find meaningful employment whilst also earning nationally recognised apprenticeship qualifications in the process."

To find out more about the employability programme call 07912 478982 or for more information about apprenticeship opportunities with NECC visit www.yourcareerstartshere.net