Young people seeking apprenticeship opportunities

June 24th 2014

Five Lamps have been working in partnership with Stockton Council to support young people thorough the YES Project (Youth Employment Support) which engages with 14-19 year olds who are currently ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training)

The project works intensively with young people to move them forward into learning, training and employment. Each young person has his or her issues and barriers that have impacted on them moving positively into a career. All these young people accessed one to one support and guidance from the YES Project.

Mitchell, Dylan, Ajay, Daniel and Ashley all came individually to Five Lamps after leaving school and college seeking support and guidance into training and employment.

Mitchell Henry came to Five Lamps after attending Stockton Riverside College, unfortunately Mitchell didn’t complete the Electrical Installation course he started and left before actually taking his exams. Mitchell was unsure what direction to take, although he is still interested in a career in electrics.

Dylan Tyers also came to Five Lamps seeking support and guidance after a similar experience at college as Mitchell, although Dylan did successfully complete his plumbing course. Dylan was unsure what route to take and what opportunities were available to him regarding apprenticeship opportunities once he left college.

Ajay, Daniel and Ashley’s situations were also very similar, they had left school unsure of what opportunities were available and how to go about accessing information. Like many other young people this group of young men struggled to ask for help and support.

Anne Rookes, YES Support Worker is currently supporting all five young men to search for relevant training/employment opportunities

Anne was aware of an open evening at NETA Training in Stockton where young people would be able to see the facilities and talk to staff about opportunities available regarding apprenticeships and traineeships. Anne arranged transport to pick up these young people and take them along to the event. Friends of these five young people came along to see what options were available.

Anne said

‘The evening was a huge success; all young people filled in application forms and have recently received appointments for interviews and to carry out initial assessments. This is a positive step forward in the right direction for young people who had no or little idea of where or what they could access’.

Five Lamps deliver the YES Project through a sub contract with Stockton Borough Council