A call has gone out to heavy industry employers across Teesside after a record number of school leavers put their names forward to start an apprenticeship.
Middlesbrough-based training provider TTE has received more than 800 applications for the 400 available places on its vocational study programmes, but says it can only increase its capacity by 40.
It hopes to increase the number of places available by encouraging more local employers to sponsor trainees.
Through sponsorship, companies can have a direct influence on young people’s training helping to prepare them for a career as a member of their future workforce.
TTE delivers training to support the oil, gas, manufacturing, process and chemical industries for companies around the world such as BP and Marathon Oil.
TTE managing director Steve Grant said: “There is no doubt that the message has got through to young people about the value of vocational technical training.
“Not only has the number of young people applying to TTE dramatically increased, so has the quality of applications as more young people consider our programmes a valid alternative to college-based further education.
He added: “It is satisfying that the efforts we are making through our commercial activities are creating more opportunities for young people here on Teesside. However, our facilities and experienced training team have the capacity to welcome a greater number if more employers offered sponsorship.
“By sponsoring apprentices, employers are investing in the future of their workforce.”
Trainees spend two years at TTE working towards recognised qualifications and gaining practical skills. Completing one of the programmes can lead to trainees securing an advanced level apprenticeship.
Sponsoring companies can either support young people for the four years of their training with two years spent at TTE and a further two years working as part of their sponsors’ workforce gaining workplace experience.
Alternatively, they can provide sponsorship for trainees that complete their vocational study programme.
Two in five (40%) young people have contemplated becoming an apprentice, according to a survey by British Gas.
And over a quarter (28%) thought that choosing this route over a degree will increase their chances of landing a job.
Leading businessman Bill Midgley, who is also chair of governors at Tyne Metropolitan College, in North Tyneside, said the figures represent a welcome change in attitude.
“Engineering, manufacturing and construction jobs can be well-paid and young people and parents are beginning to realise this,” he said.
“These were once seen as ‘dirty’ jobs but there has been a growing change in attitude and it is precisely what the economy needs.
“Too many young people go to university, get a degree and for what purpose?
“Schools, businesses and government all have their parts to play in making sure we do not fail our young people.
“Sending teenagers to university looks good for schools, but it’s not necessarily good for young people or the wider economy.”
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