The latest developments in the world of Cambridge business, innovation, start-ups and networking
Apprenticeship scheme launches to plug skills gap
The need for a better trained and qualified future generation of workers becomes ever-more pressing – which is where the new GCP apprentice service comes into play”
Home to over 1500 technology-based firms employing some 57,000 people, the so-called Silicon Fen generates an annual revenue of more than £13 billion, making it Europe’s largest tech cluster. As the sector continues to boom, the need for a better trained and qualified future generation of workers becomes ever-more pressing – which is where the new Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) apprentice service comes into play. The initiative was launched this summer with a goal of creating more than 400 new apprenticeships across Greater Cambridge, welcoming students of any subject but particularly those in sought-after STEM disciplines. It will be managed by Form the Future CIC and Cambridge Regional College (CRC), helping young people in education find, apply for and secure positions, with a wider aim of challenging preconceptions about apprenticeships, such as who can sign up and the types available. Cambridge Regional College will support businesses by helping them to establish how their skills gaps could be filled with apprentices, and how to
tackle issues such as charges and grants, while Form the Future will be responsible for communicating the service to students and parents, highlighting the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide. It will also help students get onto schemes with employers via group work, careers fairs and provision of one- to-one preparation. As part of the service, new website gcapps.co.uk will enable candidates to register interest and enable employers to promote apprenticeship opportunities. “Apprenticeships are not only a tremendous opportunity for young learners to start a great career, they’re important in improving social mobility,” comments Anne Bailey, co-founder and director of Form the Future CIC. “As a facilitator of this service, we have three vital roles. Firstly, in raising awareness; secondly, in demystifying apprenticeships for students and their parents or carers and, thirdly, in helping students identify the apprenticeships they want, and managing their expectations and preparing them for interviews.” greatercambridge.org.uk/skills
4
ISSUE 03
cambridgecatalyst.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook