Down District SDLP Councillor Dermot Curran has spoken out in support of the Apprenticeship Scheme.
ApprenticeshipsNI is a programme that offers training to 16-year olds and over, across a wide range of jobs. It provides recognised training and qualifications to new and existing employees to help meet the demands of local employers.
Councillor Curran said: “There are many benefits for the employee and the employer such as -xa0you earn while you learn, you work alongside experienced staff, you receive off-the-job training specific to your apprenticeship and you gain qualifications.
“We in the SDLP have always campaigned for better employment opportunities for our youth.xa0 All too often we see and hear of the loss of local young people to Australia, New Zealand and the States – and this is more often than not down to better job prospects overseas.
“So I would encourage local young people to check out the Apprenticeship scheme as this gives on the job experience which employers demand when recruiting. I also wish to stress the significance of this scheme to employers. It is a win-win situation.
“Following on from my recent awards ceremony, I call on those within the community (young or old) who have a business idea to come and talk to us, as financial help, support and guidance is available and is waiting to be tapped into.”
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