Wandsworth News

Hundreds of Wandsworth youngsters to get better employment opportunities

8:56am Friday 27th January 2012

Hundreds of young people are to be given greater employment opportunities and career guidance as part of an apprenticeship programme worth £1.25m.

Wandsworth Council, along with five other councils, successfully led a bid for the money beating-off competition from national employment and service providers Reed, Prospects and Serco.

The funds from the Skills Funding Agency’s European Social Fund, will be split between Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, Kingston and Richmond councils.

Over the next two years a minimum of 716 youngsters are expected to be given opportunities through various programmes across the boroughs.

Nineteen-year-old Selina Gilbert started a business and administration apprenticeship when she was 17 - and last year won Learner of the Year at the borough’s Adult and Community Learning Awards.

She said: “Since starting my apprenticeship, I have gained a great deal of confidence and a wide range of experience and new skills.

“An apprenticeship is a great stepping stone. You are not only earning, you are learning along the way.”

During next month’s National Apprenticeship Week, from February 6-10, the council will be championing the benefits of apprenticeships to local employers.

For more information call 020 8871 8478 or email fwallington@wandsworth.gov.uk

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