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Apprenticeship scheme praised
A scheme that opens the way for Sheffield youngsters with few qualifications to secure an apprenticeship has been praised by Brightside MP and former Education Secretary David Blunkett.
The Working Rite project is run by property management and development company Places for People.
Since it was launched in 2007, it has helped more than 70 young people to gain valuable experience and learn new skills by arranging six-month, full time, paid work placements with a local tradesmen.
Mr Blunkett met young people who had benefited from the programme and employers during his visit, which came as Prime Minister Gordon Brown was announcing a 140 million initiative to help keep the number of young apprenticeships rising during the current recession.
Mr Blunkett said: "As the Government is serious about doubling apprenticeships we are going to need a hell of a lot of appropriate placements. Not just any placement, but the kind of appropriate way forward that Working Rite are providing."
Among those he met was joiner Barney Dodsworth and trainee Michael Grocock.
Mr Dodsworth said: "You can really see how Michael has developed since being on the project.
"In general, these lads are not what is portrayed in the media. All a lot of them need is a chance, and someone who is willing to give them a bit of guidance and structure.Without projects like this we are going to lose the last generation of tradesmen who went through the traditional apprenticeship route to develop their skills."
Working Rite is funded by Sheffield City Council from the Deprived Area Funding and Working Neighbourhoods Fund and contributions from Pennine Housing 2000.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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