Published at 15:46, Wednesday, 28 April 2010

EIGHT West Cumbrian teenagers have been given their first step on the career ladders as they start on a new pilot apprentice training scheme with local training provider Gen II.

Jordan tyson

The places are part of a Government initiative designed to take local 16 to 17- year-olds who are not in education or employment and provide training to support their transition into work.

The learners started their training with Gen II last week in the new £25million Energus facility at Lillyhall.

Jordan Tyson, 16, from Seaton was one of the people selected for the scheme. He said: “I joined sixth form in September but soon realised it wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something practical as well as studying so when I got the chance to join the pilot scheme at Gen II I was really pleased.

“The training is more complicated than I thought and there is a lot to learn which will definitely keep me busy. Iit's even better when you get paid while you are learning.”

The apprentices are undertaking an NVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations and will be learning a range of skills including electrical installation, basic wiring, health and safety and fault finding.

They are due to complete their training in September at which point they will hopefully progress to an advanced apprenticeship.

Mike Smith, managing director of Gen II, said: “Gen II have trained more than 1,200 apprentices for local employers. Our retention and achievement rates are among the top five in the UK and with so many young talented people there is no better time for employers to get involved in the apprenticeship training schemes.

“I would urge any employers thinking of taking on an apprentice to get in touch.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk