18 February 2010
GOLDEN AGE OF APPRENTICES

The Rokcking Horse Shop becomes the first to take on an apprentice using the new AGE scheme

The Rocking Horse Shop’s newest employee, 16 year old Paige, has become the first apprentice in England to benefit from a new government scheme that will see an extra 5,000 16 and 17 year olds in apprenticeships by the end of March 2010.

“I am so excited about this. School just wasn’t for me so I’m really grateful of the opportunity to do an Apprenticeship at the Rocking Horse Shop. It will enable me to undertake nationally recognised qualifications, learn on the job – and earn!” says 16 year old Paige

There has been excellent take up to the Apprenticeship Grant from employers. Efforts are now focused on finding 5,000 suitable 16 and 17 years olds to take up the new Apprenticeship jobs on offer. Eligible young people who would like to follow in Paige’s footsteps should contact their local Connexions office.

Rocking Horse Shop Owner Jane Cook says; “Once I found out about the scheme it was very easy to set up and I am delighted. This has given me the opportunity to offer a young person a job with the added bonus of attaining a qualification. Paige is a bright girl but just did not settle into further education and now she can work, be educated and get paid - excellent. As for The Rocking Horse Shop we will benefit enormously.”

The National Apprenticeship Service believes there has never been a better time for firms to consider Apprenticeships as part of their recruitment strategy. Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The Rocking Horse Shop has made an excellent business decision in taking on an apprentice. Our research shows that firms who take on apprentices have been in great shape to face the downturn. Last year saw a 7% increase in apprentices, that’s 240,000 young people freshly into the jobs market, with the determination to succeed.”

Apprenticeships Minister Iain Wright says: “It is great to see that our grant for businesses has worked so quickly and that the first apprentices to benefit are already beginning their new careers.

"Young people like Paige will gain valuable skills and experience whilst also bringing fresh ideas, commitment and enthusiasm to the workplace. That’s why we are supporting businesses to create thousands more apprenticeship places for young people.”

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