Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police have teamed up with South and City College and are looking for 15 young people to take part in a unique three month work experience placement that will help them get their foot on the career ladder.
The traineeship scheme is aimed at young people in the West Midlands to help develop their skills and provide valuable work experience to support them at the start of their working career.
Each trainee will spend four weeks working with the council, police and fire service in clerical assistant roles. They will work alongside experienced professionals building their confidence and learning about supporting these important public services.
They will also attend college one day a week to improve their English and maths, communication skills and other key skills employers look for in candidates.
At the end of the unpaid traineeship, the trainees will be guaranteed an interview for a number of full time paid apprenticeship jobs that are available in the services, which may be the start of a long career in these highly respected regional organisations.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I want to see a focus on economic development. By reducing crime and the fear of crime, we can build confidence and help create jobs. West Midlands Police as an employer can also play its part. I wholeheartedly support this joint scheme from the police, fire service, council and college, which, through the apprenticeships programme, will give young people the skills and opportunities to get them started in the workplace.”
Mohammed Nabeel, aged 18, from Sparkhill will be applying for the opportunity. He said: “I have tried to get jobs but it is hard because employers are looking for people with experience.
“It can be disheartening but I realised I just needed to find a different way to achieve my goal, that’s why I am excited about this traineeship opportunity. Although it is unpaid for three months, if I get it it’ll give me the opportunity to have an interview for the apprenticeship I’d like. That would be a step closer to my dream of running my own business one day.”
Cllr Muhammad Afzal, Chairman of Birmingham City Council’s Employment and Human Resources Committee says: “This is an innovative and exciting scheme, and I hope that it will be expanded further. As the lead member for supporting and encouraging work placements, Traineeships and Apprenticeship opportunities within the Council, I am delighted that we are working with our key partners to combine resources and expertise to provide good quality support to our young people, and to enable them to progress.”
Joanne Simmonds, HR Manager for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We are very much looking forward to working with South and City College and our colleagues at West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, to introduce this excellent traineeship opportunity. Traineeships not only give young people the chance to experience the world of work, they also give us the opportunity to tap into a wealth of talent which otherwise may remain undiscovered.
“We see this opportunity as the chance to introduce young people to some of the roles which support our frontline Firefighters and to consider the wide range of career paths available with West Midlands Fire Service for a career of choice for the future.”
Mike Hopkins from South and City College said: “This is an excellent opportunity for young people in Birmingham.
“Traineeships offer a really exclusive opportunity for those who have limited experience in the workplace and little in the way of qualifications to get the experience, skills and confidence they need to get a job. We have seen them be really successful and think this scheme will be incredibly beneficial to 15 young people in the region.”
Mia Bye, 16, from Sutton Coldfield said: “I have applied for the traineeship and I am really excited about the opportunity. I would like to be a firefighter but you have to be 17 and a half to apply so I have some time before then. This is the perfect opportunity for me learn about working in the public services.
“I think traineeships are good because they are training and prepping you for a job in that organisation. It is hard for people my age to get jobs. I have applied for jobs but not been successful – it is hard getting passed that interview stage.”
The traineeship is open to 16-24 year olds, who are currently unemployed, have little or no work experience and are qualified below level 3 (if 16-18) or have not yet achieved a full level 2 (if aged 19-24).
To find out more and to apply, visit www.sccb.ac.uk/apprenticeships/traineeships.
Applications for the traineeship close on Monday 22 September 2014.
Pictured(From left to right): Iram Maroof from South and City College, Mohammed Nabeel – a traineeship applicant, David Jamieson – West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Sara Hall – positive action coordinator for West Midlands Fire Service and Mia Bye – an applicant for the traineeship.
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