Prime Minister provides foreword in new manual

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The first apprenticeship guide for students and teachers has been launched today with a special foreword written by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Published by Barker Brooks Media, the Apprenticeship Guide 2007 presents the essential facts in a style designed to appeal to and attract young people, in the only comprehensive printed reference guide in England and Scotland today.

Mr Blair said: “It’s no surprise that more and more young people are finding that Apprenticeships, which offer a wage and high-quality training, are the best route for them. Equipping people for today’s jobs is going to be essential for the future prosperity of the country and for individuals themselves”.

“That’s why over the last 10 years, we have seen a real revival in apprenticeships and why some of the biggest names in business- including BT, British Gas, Orange and Bentley Motors- offer them”.

Managing Editor Kirsty McMurdo commended Tony Blair’s foreword, saying the government have been pushing the guide in a determined effort to promote vocational qualifications.

She said: “I think the main reason apprentices have been failing to complete their courses is a lack of awareness and it has reached crisis point. The guide will tell students they can combine learning with having a job- if we can let students know there are other options available to them in Year 11, they don”t have to take the conventional route”.

“Once people realise there are jobs around in non-traditional industries, the take-up of apprenticeships should definitely increase and the training is amazing once you enrol as someone is with you every step of the way”.

Commenting on Government targets that aim to double the number of apprentices by 2020 – to fill much publicised skills gaps in British industries ““ she noted: “The Government targets are fairly ambitious but they do have 13 years to achieve them and I think promotion of Apprenticeships will play a huge part in the success of those plans”.

She also said the publishing team have future plans to produce a “UCAS style directory”, listing all the vocational qualifications available.

The guide is aimed at teachers, parents and students and will be sent to schools, colleges and further education places as a point of reference to ensure pupils receive a more rounded view of where Apprenticeships can lead.

Alongside listing the extensive number of apprenticeships available in England, the guide offers details of Apprenticeships in Scotland, information on how to get onto a programme, helpful organisations, handy tips for CVs and interviews plus the career benefits of an Apprenticeship scheme.

The guide was created with the help of the Learning and Skills Council and has elaborated on the information available on the Learning and Skills Council specialist apprenticeship website.

For more information or to request a copy, email [email protected] or call 01423 851 150.

Barker Brooks Media also publishes a careers and lifestyle magazine for 16 to 18 year-olds, entitled etc. For more information, click here.

Malaka Chowdhury.

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