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BUSINESS
Council says “You’re Hired” to 15 young apprentices
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ifteen apprentices have started work with Wolverhampton City Council as part of the drive to create more job opportunities for young people taking on a range of roles from play work to fitness instruction and ICT support to marketing. The council’s Apprenticeship Programme will see 30 young apprentices recruited during each year giving them real life experience of the world of work. Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton’s Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: “I am delighted to welcome the apprentices to the city council. Apprenticeships offer young people a positive first step onto the career ladder and the chance to do a job while gaining nationallyrecognised training and qualifications. These work-based training programmes give employers access to enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are eager to learn the skills that their business really needs. In
return, the apprentice gets practical experience, qualifications and a wage.” The scheme, aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds, offers a one-year fixed term contract at a wage of £150 per week. Tim Westwood, Wolverhampton City Council’s Assistant Director for Schools, Skills and Learning said: “As one of the largest employers in the city, we recognise the business benefits that apprenticeships have to offer and we know that the young people of Wolverhampton are of the right calibre to deliver those benefits. These youngsters are being given a life-changing chance through a scheme that demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for young people in a really tangible way. By setting this example, we also hope that we will be able to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to other employers in Wolverhampton.”
The Phoenix–October 2012
Reduce hours not staff says Chamber
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usiness leaders welcomed news that unemployment figures have fallen in the West Midlands and applaud the fact that the region has and is outperforming the rest of the UK. Michael Ward, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said: “Manufacturing, the industrial heritage of the West Midlands, is what is driving West Midland employment opportunities upwards. It is these companies that use a lot of part time workers and recognise the importance of keeping skilled staff by reducing hours. Cutting hours and keeping staff are key to being able to meet new demand and grow quickly when the economy picks up. We are in a fragile and unpredictable economy with a great deal of over-capacity
and we welcome the foresight of businesses which are retaining skilled staff by cutting hours and offering part-time work. During the deep recession of the 1980s, firms were too quick to cut staff. As a result, when the economy picked up, many businesses were unable to meet new demand and grow as quickly as they should have. Reducing hours will keep skilled staff, contacts and experience in-house. Mike Ashton, spokesman for the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, said: “The West Midlands is well placed to become an engine of growth and job creation in the UK. Our businesses are increasingly export driven and are breaking into emerging markets which is translating into strong growth and job creation at home.”
l Mike Ashton
l Michael Ward
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Councillor Phil Page, Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning and Councillor Susan Constable, Cabinet Member for Children and Families with apprentice Holly Francis with the other 14 apprentices in the back-
ground.
Ammo’s Big Up Birmingham – Blake, Bolt, Billboards, Blogs and Businesses
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pic night – epic quote! But what was the wisdom behind the world’s fastest men giving shout-outs to the second city all those months ago? If you saw the clip – you’ll know I’m talking about the post-race interview after the 200m final. The Lightning Bolt had already said his piece and was merging into the background. So it was the Yohan Blake who first let us know he had left his heart in Brum. “I just want to say big-up, Birmingham," spat the Beast, "Birmingham people, you guys took care of us. We have to give you all the respect, Birmingham.” And then Bolt bounced back into shot – “Birmingham people: when we were at camp, they were extremely great to us. They showed us a lot of love and thank you guys.” Two days later, Bolt was giving another big-up Birmingham interview. So what was it we actually did? Most of the props were
going out to Birmingham University, who took special care of the Jamaican team, and even brought in a chef so yard-style food was always on hand. They got some bigger beds in, too – seven footers. But we know that the JA team liked the city’s amenities too: shopping at M&S and watching ‘The Lorax’ on Broad Street. But there was nothing forced, unnatural or in any way political about their words of thanks, which made them so special and unique. In fact, you can’t buy a celebrity endorsement like that. Really. A superstar calls out your name and there’s millions of people all glued to their seats. It’s Madonna dancing the half-time Superbowl show with your name written on their undies. But could this be a game changer for all of us who’ve been working to earn respect for Birmingham from the nation’s media. And how are we going to capitalise on this? How are we planning to monetize a shout-
out? What are the city council doing?– and the arm’s length agencies that exist to promote Birmingham – planning to do this month, and this year, to instil confidence and foster opportunities for Birmingham businesses in the wake of this amazing Olympic windfall? And we have heard a rumours that the city is lobbying members of the Jamaican team to come back to the city of love in October Birmingham’s new leadership must now build on the strength, the business acumen and the goodwill mobilised in 2012 by the Jamaican Community. At the very least there needs to be a permanent annual Caribbean festival, in the city centre, that mirrors the Frankfurt Christmas market. Posters and blogs and words – even ones like these – are all very well up to a point. But it’s time for action. This must be more than just a hashtag!! Ammo Talwar MBE
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