Research commissioned by Lifetime shows that 73 per cent of 16-18 year olds believe the government is not doing enough to help them find a job. These results, released today, come at the start of the new election campaign and suggest that political parties seeking to capture the youth vote need to do more to instil confidence in young job seekers.
With the introduction of the Future Jobs Fund and Apprenticeship Expansion Programme, the government is ploughing significant investment into apprenticeship schemes to provide young people with funded training that will make them immediately qualified to seek employment in many industries. Unfortunately 54 per cent of the young people questioned by Lifetime did not know about this. 8 out of 10 said they received no information from a career advisor, teacher or parent about apprenticeship opportunities. 67 per cent also admitted that they would have no idea where to go to find out about apprenticeships.
Most 16-18 year olds, however, do seem to have a reasonable understanding of what an apprenticeship is. 84 per cent know that an apprenticeship scheme involves on-the-job training and provides an opportunity to earn and learn at the same time. They feel positively about this vocational approach to training with 80 per cent happy to consider this form of training.
“While it is encouraging that a high percentage of young people view apprenticeships as a credible and effective route to employment, it is disappointing that they are not receiving enough information on the vast array of opportunities available and how to get started”, says Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime.
“Lifetime runs government-funded, leisure-based apprenticeship programmes across England and has already trained more than 2,000 people in the last 14 months but we could train more. The resource is available but the problem seems to be that young people are not being signposted to us.
“With youth unemployment at its highest since the mid-1990s, on-the-job training is ideal for teenagers looking to gain experience and qualifications while earning money. The fitness and leisure industry has enjoyed a 2 per cent growth despite the recession and vocational training is looked upon very favourably by the sectors large employers.”
Delivering training to over 12,000 students per year, Lifetime is the training provider of choice for hundreds of leisure centres, health clubs and hotel fitness facilities around the country including LA fitness, Fitness First, DC Leisure, David Lloyd Leisure, SLM, Virgin Active and Hilton.
Hundreds of places on Lifetime’s unique government funded apprenticeships in fitness instructing and activity leadership are available to 16-18 year olds across the country. After a three-week, full-time tutor-led study programme, apprentices have the opportunity to gain employment or a paid or voluntary work placement while completing their full NVQ in approximately 12 weeks.
Parents and teenagers wanting advice on apprenticeships in the leisure industry can call 0845 123 8509. Connexions Advisors can call 0845 123 8508. For more information on Lifetime visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk or text FITNESS 9 to 80039.