Member Article

New app launched to help youngsters find training

GMLPF puts training on the map with Mapped Out, a new app to help fix ‘broken’ careers advice.

The Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) has launched a new mobile app to connect school leavers and other young people to learning opportunities across the Liverpool City Region.

Mapped Out is the first app of its kind in the UK and builds on the success of the original web version. Primarily a tool for young people and school leavers, the app is also an invaluable service for schools, parents, community organisations and careers advisors.

Free to download on a compatible mobile device, the app gives users the opportunity to search for different training options (apprenticeships, traineeships, study programmes, NVQ’s) or find training courses based on location or industry.

It covers all training opportunities across Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton.

The local umbrella organisation for local skills providers, GMLPF, represents over 80 training organisations across the region. Its app directory will enable youngsters to search for training in their local area across more than 30 industries, which include some of the region’s key growth sectors: engineering, creative & digital as well as life science & health.

The app was launched at an exclusive breakfast briefing at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, with speakers including chief executive of GMLPF James Glendenning; Councillor Nick Small, Assistant Mayor of Liverpool and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment & Skills and Apprentice Ambassador Stefan Price.

Councillor Nick Small endorsed the initiative and on the day spoke of the long standing issue of ‘broken’ careers advice for young people.

He says: “Pioneering developments such as this app are at the heart of ensuring the future of the next generation through quality skills provision. Whilst the Apprenticeships sector is undergoing significant change, Mapped Out ensures young people have the means to keep updated about local training opportunities.

“GMLPF is to be praised for raising their game to help young people just starting out in their careers.”

Stefan Price, 16, from Bootle, is a digital media apprentice with Ph.Creative in Liverpool. In his role as an Apprenticeships Ambassador, he helped launch the app and spoke of his struggle to find an apprenticeship locally with no guidance from his school.

He says: “Leaving school is a very daunting time, especially for any 16 year olds who do not want to stay on for sixth form. The app makes it easier to get career information and find local skills providers by area, level of training and even includes hundreds of job types to choose from. This wasn’t around when I left school and it would have made a big difference.”

GMLPF Chief Executive James Glendenning, adds: “It is crucial for young people to know what career options are available and where. With Government rules stating that everybody has to be in training or education until they are 18, there is still a lot of confusion about whether they have to stay on at school – but they don’t.

“The app offers practical help and advice to young people taking that first step onto the career ladder outside the school gates.”

The Mapped Out app is now available to download for free from Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching ‘MappedOut’.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hannah Fowler .