Member Article

One-stop Stockport apprenticeship scheme opens

Stockport Apprenticeship Store, the UK’s first independent apprenticeship facility, has been officially opened.

The Apprenticeship Store is located in Stockport Exchange - formerly Grand Central - off the main A6 Wellington Town South.

Invited guests were shown a video created by Jack Armour, a Stockport Council apprentice, on what the Apprenticeship Store does, plus clips of apprentices giving their thoughts and feelings about Apprenticeships and why they chose to go down the Apprenticeship pathway.

Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council, who officially opened the Apprenticeship Store, said: “Anyone who is interested in applying for an apprenticeship can come into the store and be guided by the partnership team here to apply on the National Apprenticeship Service website for an apprenticeship. If they need support, then we can sign post them to the relevant agencies.”

Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Achievement, said: “I’m delighted that the Council has launched the U.K.’s first independent Apprenticeship Store which will have a really positive impact. The Council is a leader in helping young people to find work. “The store allows people to register on the National Apprenticeship Service vacancy online website, find information and advice about Apprenticeships, view hundreds of current apprenticeship vacancies with national and local employers, apply for an Apprenticeship vacancy, compile a CV, receive assistance with interview techniques and gain an insight from current Apprenticeship Ambassadors on their experiences in the workplace.”

Sue Price, North West Director of the Skills Funding Agency, said: “The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is delighted to be working with the first ever Independent Apprenticeship Store in the country. Stockport Council has always been innovative and passionate about apprenticeships and we are pleased to be working in partnership with them.”

Attending the launch were Stockport councillors and officers, Skills Funding Agency, NAS, MPs, National Careers Service, Jobcentre Plus, local and national employers Stockport Chamber of Commerce, training providers, and Council apprentices.

Attendees received a pack including Apprenticeship Store information, PEEBS (People, Education, and Employer’s Brokerage Service) information, Working with Young People Employers Award, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The Apprenticeship Store can be used by employers to conduct interviews for jobs locally. For more information on the Apprenticeship Store email apprenticeships@stockport.gov.uk or phone 0161 474 4745.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .