MORE than 100 apprenticeships being offered to young people should be just the first of many, according to a Blackpool MP.
Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, has praised Blackpool Council’s Connexions for finding the positions for 16-19 year olds and said it is vital businesses offer jobs for youngsters.
He told The Gazette: “It is very important we have initiatives like this. Young people need to know there are other routes to getting jobs as well as through academic ones.”
Applications are now being sought for the opportunities across the Fylde coast.
The apprenticeships are being offered through Connexions to help school and college leavers taking the next step on the career ladder.
Vacancies are open in hairdressing, business administration, engineering, childcare, and hospitality and many more areas.
The apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months, and include either a full day or half day in college each week.
Mr Marsden, the shadow minister for apprenticeships and skills said he hoped the apprentices would also benefit small and medium size businesses.
He added: “The Government should be using its own power, when giving out public contracts, to insist that companies must include apprenticeships for young people in the deal.”
The MP also hopes building projects in Blackpool - including the new Central Business District on which starts next year, will lead to more trade apprenticeships for young people.
For information, contact: (01253) 754840 or visit the Connexions centre on Market Street.
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