Member Article

Traineeship success for more than 70 young people

A LEADING north east college is celebrating after the success of a Traineeship scheme which has resulted in more than 70 young people winning apprenticeships and permanent employment.

Derwentside College, based in Consett, partnered with training provider NAC Group to offer young people the opportunity to learn on the job through Traineeships in the automotive manufacturing industry, with trainees gaining invaluable production line experience at the Nissan plant in Sunderland.

Introduced by the government in August last year, Traineeships are a new programme which can lead to jobs or apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds.

The success of the programme can clearly be seen with nearly eighty percent of the trainees who have completed the programme, gaining a skilled apprenticeship or permanent job offer.

Paul Robson, Managing Director of NAC, said: “NAC Group and Derwentside College have successfully worked together for more than 8 years on a wide range of government changing priorities. We are both extremely committed to this partnership and the pooling of our expertise to offer young people the very best opportunities.

“As a result of our partnership young learners have been able to progress into sustainable employment, particularly in the automotive sector. Once on the programme they benefit from advice and guidance from a dedicated mentor, a personal trainer to help with individual strengths required for the sector, paid travel and meal expenses as well as progression to sustainable employment.”

Susan Errington, Director of Business Development at Derwentside College, added: “The Traineeships provide a perfect solution for many young people who lack qualifications, work experience or both. Young people are faced with the classic conundrum they can’t find employment without experience but can’t get experience without a job. Traineeships enable them to get that vital work experience they need with the security of a job or apprenticeship once they have achieved all elements of the programme.

Derwentside College provides an impressive learning environment for a wide range of vocational courses for young people aged from 14+, as well as adults returning to education. The College has been recognised for its outstanding partnership work and focus on helping learners find jobs.

The College has excellent achievement rates and attracts students from a wide geographic area from Berwick in the North, to Leeds in the South and Carlisle in the West.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Derwentside College .