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County Training has strong business links to kick-start careers As the new year starts, many young people are looking ahead to the summer and what they will do after school or college. County Training are urging young people to consider all options open to them in order to make an informed choice. Business Development Officer Nikki said “With the average graduate debt now standing at £50,000, according to the IFS, we are finding that many young people are starting to question if college or university is the right path. On an apprenticeship, young people can earn a wage while gaining the skills and knowledge they need to do their job. They will also gain a nationally recognised qualification, which is highly respected by employers.” Apprenticeships also work very well for businesses and the government will fund 95% of the qualification in most cases with some apprenticeships fully funded*. One business that has made full use of apprenticeships is Fix Auto in Oswestry, who over the years have taken on four apprentices with County Training. Managing Director, Lee Hitch said “Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right individual for the job, but County Training have made the process so much easier… all four individuals have proven
▲ Lee Hitch and Nikki Norris (centre) with apprentices
(from left) Haydyn Parks, Loren Morris, Liam Brady and Tyler Jones.
to be a success…and I think these four are capable of progressing even further into heads of department and manager positions in the future.” It has also been a positive experience for all four apprentices. Tyler Jones, their most recent apprentice recruit working in the Parts Department on an IT apprenticeship, said “I’m enjoying the apprenticeship scheme, and I have found it is a great stepping stone into full-time employment. I would recommend an apprenticeship to all those thinking of doing it.” Any employer that is thinking of recruiting an apprentice is urged to visit www.ctapprenticeships.co.uk/employers or call 0345 6789023 for further information/funding details* and to email enquiries@ctapprenticeships.co.uk to set up an appointment. Learners are encouraged to visit www.ctapprenticeships.co.uk/apprenticeships where all County Training apprenticeship vacancies are advertised, or to email enquires@ctapprenticeships.co.uk to set up a 1-1 appointment.
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