New Apprenticeship Scheme Launches

A ground-breaking new apprenticeship scheme in Kent aims to help ‘vulnerable’ young people – including young disabled people and those with mental health problems – into work.

Those on the scheme will be able to earn while they gain training, skills and experience, to help them climb the career ladder and give them the confidence to apply for future jobs. Most on the scheme will be between 16 and 18 years old.

Kent County Council (KCC) will pay the young people’s wages of £105 per week, in line with the county council’s own scheme Kent Success, as employers are less likely to come forward to offer apprenticeships for these particular groups. There will also be support for employers who take on an apprentice.

Apprenticeships will last around a year and there will be 80 places on offer. KCC will offer 20 of the  places within the authority itself.

KCC Cabinet Member for Community Services, Mike Hill, said: “This scheme will give a real taste of being in the workplace and we are determined to make a difference to the lives of these young people who are finding it particularly difficult to get a job. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunities to succeed and to help those who are especially vulnerable.”

More: www.kentapprenticeships.com