Posted: Thursday 11 February 2010
KILMARNOCK COLLEGE HELPS LOCAL EMPLOYERS INVEST IN APPRENTICES
A young apprentice who was made redundant has got back on track after a helping hand from Kilmarnock College.
Jordan Underwood (18) is now working for Ardneil Garage in Troon after he was made redundant by his employer less than half way through the first year of his Motor Vehicle apprenticeship. Concerned that he would not be able to finish his training and unable to find any garages recruiting for apprentices, Jordan approached his Assessor at Kilmarnock College to find out what help was available.
Jordan, originally from Prestwick, commented: “I was only five months into my apprenticeship when the garage had to let me go due to financial difficulties. I approached a few local garages but there were no vacancies for more apprentices. That’s when I phoned Kilmarnock College to speak to my Assessor.”
Jim Harkness, Jordan’s assessor at Kilmarnock College, said: “The Scottish Government recently started a scheme whereby employers can apply for £2,000 to help apprentices. We phoned round some garages to let them know that Jordan was looking for work and that there might be funding available if they wanted to take on an apprentice.
“Apprentices are essential for any industrial sector, they’re the workforce of tomorrow. During difficult economic times they can be vulnerable, so it’s fantastic that Jordan was able to find another job so quickly. We have a close relationship with employers throughout the region so we are in a great position to help students and apprentices find work.”
There are several Apprentice schemes available through Skills Development Scotland:
· The ‘Adopt an Apprentice’ scheme offers funding to businesses who need financial support to take on an apprentice who has previously been made redundant. The funding is available until March 2010 on a first come, first served basis.
· Funding is also available, again until March 2010 on a first come, first served basis, for businesses looking to ‘Safeguard an Apprentice’ which offers £75 per week towards the apprentice’s wages.
Kilmarnock College’s Vocational Learning Team is encouraging all employers in the area to get in touch and find out more about how to apply for funding. Interested employers should contact Anne Malcolm, Service Leader – Contracts on 01563 523501 Ext 4137. Further information can also be found on the Skills Development Scotland website.
Kilmarnock College offers Modern Apprenticeships across a number of industries, including Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle and Engineering. As well as assessing students, the College can also offer advice to employers on different training programmes that are available.
For more information on courses available at Kilmarnock College please contact 01563 523501 or visit www.kilmarnock.ac.uk.
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For more information contact:
Denise Clark, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) denise@halogencom.com.