Event at Tata Steel in Scunthorpe highlights value of apprenticeships

FINDING employment can be hard in these tough times – but officials say doing an apprenticeship can guarantee youngsters a place in work.

Eric Collis, general manager of Humber Engineering Training Association (HETA), held an event at the Tata Steel Conference Centre, Scunthorpe, to help apprentices get a placement.

Some apprentices with HETA have already been snapped up – but many are still searching for somewhere to get hands-on experience. And Mr Collis is keen to raise awareness of what apprentices can offer to firms in North Lincolnshire.

"The young people selected to be apprentices are trained to the same high standard as Tata Steel employees," he said.

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"We want to raise awareness about the opportunity to bring young apprentices together with companies. They will be placed – that is guaranteed. We have 66 apprentices on the Tata Steel site, 42 of whom have already been placed.

"There is a lot of negativity in the job market, but there are so many vacancies that can't be filled because people do not have the necessary skills. We are plugging that gap."

This feeling of confidence is shared by apprentices at HETA, who feel positive about their future prospects.

Tom Bowes, 16, is an apprentice from Barton-Upon-Humber based at Tata Steel.

He said: "HETA has boosted my confidence in looking for a job, because they show employers what sort of job we can do.

"Being an apprentice is brilliant and very different to school, because we are getting practical, hands-on work as well as theory."

HETA has been given Regional Growth Funding by North Lincolnshire Council to provide more apprentice opportunities for young people.

HETA currently has apprentices placed with businesses such as Bradken and the 2 Sisters Food Group.

Ben Campbell, 16, is a HETA apprentice from Barton who is yet to be given a placement.

"On my work experience, I was with BP and I studied engineering at school," he said.

"75 per cent of people applying to be apprentices do not make the cut, so we are confident we have the skills to find employment."

Jamie Long, 17, a HETA apprentice from Scunthorpe, is also without a placement at the moment. He said: "I believe that with HETA, I am getting the right training and business contact to find a placement."

Call HETA on 03303 331501.