NIACE work represented at Apprenticeship Week event Monday, February 7, 2011 - 11:02

The event, organised by the London Apprenticeship Company (LAC) during National Apprenticeship Week,  was attended by Richard Barnes, the Deputy Mayor of London and Tim Campbell, the winner of the first series of The Apprentice and the founder of the Bright Ideas Trust. Employers discussed apprenticeships, respect and how they see the future for young adults.

Tim Campbell said:

"Apprenticeships are the perfect solution for many people who are seeking to develop a successful career. Not only do they span most industry sectors they allow the apprentice to earn and learn at the same time as well as also helping to eradicate the chicken and egg scenario of having qualifications and no experience when applying for a job in an increasingly competitive market. Many more employers are needed to embrace this fantastic way to attract new talent or develop existing staff as the productivity and retention levels of apprentices make it a strong business case not an altruistic ask."

Linda Dixon, a Project Officer at NIACE, said:

"This event provides the perfect opportunity for government and employers to listen to the voice of young adults on the issue of respect in a range of contexts. The pilot events we did, as part of the entire Respect work which was commissioned by LSIS, demonstrated that the majority of the young adults taking part did not feel respected by the media particularly and believed that respect is a two way process and should be given to be received. We are pleased to have the opportunity to represent the voice of young adults from all walks of life."

Young people from a variety of backgrounds were invited to the event, including students, apprentices, young offenders, care leavers, those with learning difficulties and those not in education, employment or training.

The panel discussion, which started the event, heard from young people about how they feel about securing apprenticeships and jobs in the current climate, considering one in five are currently out of work, and also considered the wider issue of respect in the work environment and the wider community.

The findings around the issue of ‘Respect' will be used to launch a final report ‘A National Conversation: Young People and Respect' which will feedback to government departments and inform target audiences on the subject of respect. This is likely to include a selection of young people from the 9 conversations across the country taking part in a high level round table discussion in Westminster in May/June 2011.