PM Training has recently expanded its apprenticeship scheme to meet industry demand; and in doing so tackles youth unemployment.
Will Nixon, chief executive of PM Training, said: “We are finding increasing numbers of young people and businesses attracted to the training schemes we offer. Around 70 per cent of trainees positively progress through PM Training’s skills programmes and 95 per cent of these go on to full-time apprenticeships, giving both companies and young people a chance to flourish.”
One of the leading providers for the Government’s new Traineeship programme, PM Training – which is in its sixth year as the social enterprise arm of the Aspire Housing Group in Staffordshire – is dedicated to helping young people achieve employment and gain the skills they need to progress.
More than 250 types of apprenticeships are offered, covering 1400 different job roles at three levels: Intermediate (level 2), Advanced (level 3) and Higher (level 4 & 5). More than 800 businesses in Staffordshire are supported.
John Edmonds, 18, was taken on by Stoke based Listers Trade Frames two years ago. John originally went straight to college after GCSEs but regretted the decision and then turned to PM Training.
John said: “I’d advise anyone leaving school to go onto training with organisations such as PM Training.
“Earning some money has helped me to learn how to drive, so I can now drive the company’s vans too – it’s made a big difference to my life.”
Listers has taken on more than 30 apprentices from PM Training in the last 10 years.
Mark Warren, Listers’ managing director, said: “It’s a difficult time for school leavers – studying can be expensive and there’s no guarantee of a job at the end of it. An apprenticeship can be so much more attractive, and deliver some real life skills along the way. It’s a win win result for both the individual and the company they work for.”
Most of the apprenticeship is delivered in the workplace with some of the training taking place at one of their four centres across the county.
Apprenticeships available with PM Training range from horticulture to business administration, and all apprentices have a dedicated mentor who keeps in touch to ensure they are successful and valuable part of a company’s workforce.
PM Training also support the companies taking on an apprentice by assisting them to meet any health and safety and human resource requirements. It is a holistic approach which guarantees the apprenticeship is a great addition to the business and a great opportunity for all the individuals involved.
Around 65 per cent of our apprentices move on into full-time work, well above the national and Staffordshire averages, and their apprentices are consistently recognised in regional and national awards.
