Paragon skills for industry

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Despite the economic doom and gloom generated by the credit crunch, there’s still one subject high up on the government’s agenda; up-skilling the nation to compete in our global market place. That’s why there’s so much government investment in training and skills, it’s quite simply an investment in the future prosperity of UK PLC.

These days, the flagship training programme for people of all ages is Apprenticeships. Much bemoaned for their passing into obscurity some years ago, now they are back, and bigger and better than ever before with the number of people taking apprenticeships trebling since 1997!

Designed by industry, for industry, Apprenticeships provide a framework for skills development and training that means employers get what they want – a skilled workforce that will carry their business forward competitively and profitably, and young people and adults get what they want – the opportunity to develop skills that are in demand and will take them forward into great career prospects.

The range of apprenticeships is truly vast, both in terms of the types of apprenticeship that are available and the level of the qualifications that are gained. Covering occupations that range from traditional engineering disciplines, business administration, hairdressing, and the retail and hospitality industries to name but a few, there are literally hundreds of career opportunities waiting to be taken.

Finding the correct starting point is as important as finding the correct career. Apprenticeships can start with the very basics for those who are newly out of school or new to the career they have recently chosen. But for those who have already got to grips with the basics there are progression opportunities to supervisory or managerial level qualifications, which can ultimately lead onto foundation degrees and further. And it’s not a well known fact but apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, not just those who have just left school!

The framework approach to apprenticeships means that apprentices are developed holistically, with due consideration given to the everyday employability skills that are as important in the workplace as, say handskills or computer skills. So, apprentices are also supported in developing wider skills such as applied literacy or numeracy, managing customer relationships and health and safety. Whatever is appropriate to the industry and the needs of the employer and apprentice.

For young people who left school earlier this year or who are due to leave school next year there is the guarantee of a place on an apprenticeship programme if they so choose. This means that they should be thinking now about what they want to do for a career and getting advice about securing an apprenticeship place in a career that will be suitable for them. As well as the wide range of apprenticeship places available there are supporting programmes like entry to employment to help them make choices if they are unsure about what they want to do as a career or need a helping hand to get on the first rung of the ladder.

Paragon Skills for Industry works with employers and apprentices of all ages and abilities to meet business challenges and improve lives through training and development programmes that are supported through government funding. We can advise on training programmes available, assist employers to recruit and retain workers and provide young people and adults with apprenticeship opportunities and supported on-the-job learning. All apprentices are supported through their own individual training plan, based on a thorough initial assessment process that makes sure apprentices are in the right place, with the right training programme and receiving the right support to help them achieve their career goals.

For more information about developing skills through Apprenticeships, call Paragon Skills for Industry on 0800 783 2545.