Hinckley & Bosworth Supports Apprenticeship Scheme

2012-04-23 12:16:06

 

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has just taken on a new apprentice at their vehicle depot on Middlefield Lane, Hinckley, through the Leicester College Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA).

The Council’s fleet of vehicles and workshop facilities are maintained by Northampton-based Specialist Fleet Services, who selected 18-year old Christopher Ellix from Ibstock as an Apprentice Commercial Vehicle Technician, from a range of candidates hand-picked by the ATA. 

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said: “The service from the Leicester College Apprenticeship Training Agency is excellent. They manage the whole process and there is minimum risk to us.  More companies should give it a try.”

Mike Brymer, Chief Officer, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “We’re delighted to support the Apprenticeship Training Agency at Leicester College. It’s important that we provide opportunities for young people in our local community. Christopher will gain valuable hands on training at our workshop whilst he continues with his studies towards becoming a fully qualified HGV Commercial Vehicle Technician.”

Lesley Ganda, Recruitment Account Manager, Leicester College: “Leicester College ATA provides a vital link between young people in training and local employers.  We aim to take all the hassle out of the recruitment process. Once we have taken a detailed brief from an employer outlining what they are looking for in an Apprentice, we screen potential candidates, in person, and assess their suitability for the role.  This includes checking their qualifications and their English and Maths aptitude. We then provide a shortlist for interviews and we can offer the use of College facilities to conduct those interviews if required.”

Continued Lesley: “We have so many talented and enthusiastic young people just waiting for a chance to prove what they can do.  We just need more employers to come forward.”

Once a candidate has been selected, the ATA gather references and takes care of employment contracts. The Apprenticeship Training Agency invoices the employer on a monthly basis for the Apprentice’s salary plus a management fee.  The employer can decide to employ their Apprentice direct at any point during the Apprenticeship.”

Christopher Ellix, who has already completed a City & Guilds course in Motor Mechanics said: “I’m really enjoying it.  There’s a lot more to refuse vehicles than normal trucks, as there are so many complex moving parts.  I’ve always loved cars and engines so it’s great to get the chance to do what I love as a job.”

Any employers interested in finding out more about Apprenticeship opportunities through Leicester College ATA should contact Leicester College on 0116 224 2240 or visit www.leicestercollege.ac.uk

ENDS.