Bridging the Gap: Apprentices Have Their Say
3 Feb 2014
Apprentices from British Sugar joined a group of commissioners including MPs Graham Evans, Chloe Smith and Mike Thornton on Tuesday 28th January 2014 to share details of British Sugar’s work to develop youth skills. This was for the first of a series of briefing sessions for the launch of the Industry and Parliament Trust’s Youth Skills Commission, in association with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
Youth unemployment has been rising since 2004, suggesting that recession is only part of the cause for the lack of demand across the economy. Many structural changes in the labour market have made it increasingly difficult for young people to get into work.
Speaking at the session Josh Holman and Alicia Southward spoke about their experiences as apprentices at British Sugar. Raising issues of accessibility to apprenticeship knowledge at school and college, they highlighted that the British Sugar apprenticeship scheme has provided them with an opportunity to develop skills and a career.
British Sugar Apprentice, Josh Holman commented:
“It was a great opportunity to share our experiences and comments with MPs.
Alicia Southward added:
“It was great that the MP’s took time out to listen to us, I hope the feedback we gave will help to shape future opportunities for other young people.”
During the second half of the session Chloe Smith MP, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, introduced a recent scheme launched in Norwich titled ‘Norwich For Jobs’. By asking key organisations to join a steering group, the scheme aims to encourage local businesses to invest in young people. The scheme aims to reduce youth unemployment in Norwich by 50% in two years.
Chloe Smith MP stated:
“I’m delighted to have been asked to be a Commissioner on this subject, which was as a direct result of the work we have done locally on Norwich For Jobs.
“I’m pleased to be able to take Norwich for Jobs to Westminster as a positive example of what we have done in Norwich. Chelsea gave a very inspiring presentation – Norwich can be proud of our brilliant young people.
“The whole team is proud of our achievement so far, halfway through. But there is so much more to do, so I am looking forward to ideas and constructive discussion with the Commission. Young people’s skills and employment are crucial, which is why I’ve acted on it in Norwich and why I want to help others around the country too.”
Chelsea Bales added:
“As a volunteer for Norwich for Jobs I feel strongly about the necessity of communication and bringing together all parties interested in youth unemployment. I was unaware of just how many services are set-up within a city, to help with different aspects of the same problem. By aiding the face-to-face communication of the service providers and indeed employers and job-seekers, we are aiming to raise awareness and work together to tackle youth unemployment.
This launch meeting for the IPT Youth Skills Commission showed the focus on exploring the many relevant aspects of youth unemployment and what needs to be done to make improvements. I found this meeting thought-provoking and motivating – It was great to be involved.”
By bringing together major UK employers and parliamentarians, the IPT Youth Skills Commission will focus on best practice and evidence in order to contribute to the debate about employer approaches. A report will be published following the events, outlining the findings of the Commission and adding to the debate on this important issue.
