157 Group launches new apprenticeships case studies
24th May 2011
For immediate release: 24th May 2011
157 Group launches new apprenticeship case studies
---BEGINS---
The 157 Group has launched six new case studies to demonstrate how apprenticeships are becoming a crucial and integral part of colleges' offers and provision to both young people and adults. This month the Prime Minister announced a package of support to tackle youth unemployment with the funding of 250,000 apprenticeships over four years playing a key role. Our case studies evidence how effective our colleges are at offering apprenticeships with real prospects for the learner alongside major benefits to employers.
Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "Apprenticeships are not just an add-on to provision already offered in our Member colleges. They comprise an important part of our offer to young people and adults and these case studies illustrate how important they are in offering real job outcomes for the learner. Colleges are incorporating apprenticeship frameworks innovatively into their curriculum with a positive effect in equipping learners with the critical skills that UK plc needs."
Frank McLoughlin CBE, chair of the 157 Group and principal of City and Islington College, said, "Apprenticeships are a win-win for learners and the local community, offering paid work and the opportunity to learn real valuable skills which will boost the economy. Colleges are fully behind the apprenticeship offer as we understand the importance of equipping learners with the skills they need to operate successfully in the labour market. Apprentices bring an array of benefits to employers and we need to make sure that this is promoted as much as possible. Research has shown that apprentices support staff retention, succession planning and business development for employers bringing excellent return on investment."
---ENDS---
---NOTES TO EDITORS---
The case studies are available to download on the 157 Group website here.
---About the 157 Group---
The 157 Group represents 27 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector. It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster's report on the future of further education colleges, in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.
---CONTACT---
Gemma Knott
07581 354 750
Email [email protected]
The 157 Group Limited P O Box 58147
London SW8 9AF
Website: www.157group.co.uk