Ann Cochrane, Organisational Development Business Partner
Minutes:
Ann Cochrane, Organisational Development Business Partner, explained the council’s apprenticeship programme, which allowed participants to work and acquire work-based skills, while at the same time earning a wage that was equivalent to, or more than, the minimum wage. Participants worked four days a week and went to college on the fifth day. The qualifications they received at the end of the programme were nationally recognised. There were a wide variety of different subjects, from office based work to trades like electrics and plumbing. The programmes varied in length from 12 months for the office-based programme to 48 months for electricians. The programme was supported by the Apprenticeship team, whose role was to support and empower participants. Since the scheme had started in 2005, participants had achieved 44 higher qualifications, 124 had fully qualified, with 73 going straight into work. 36 apprenticeships were available right now, the deadline for applications was 30 April 2012.
The criteria for participating in the programme were: being at least 16 years of age and a Southwark resident, having achieved grades A-D in English and Maths at GCSE level (or having an equivalent adult literacy and numeracy qualification. For some programmes grades A-C were needed), being able to work full-time, and not having a qualification at degree level already.
Responding to questions from the floor, Ann said that there was no maximum age for applicants.
For further information contact Ann Cochrane, Organisational Development Business Partner, 020 7525 1490 or email: Ann.Cochrane@southwark.gov.uk