Call for more apprentices to plug shortfall (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Call for more apprentices to plug shortfall

3:13pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

THE country might be in recession but a Basingstoke college does not currently have enough applicants to fill apprentice posts.

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT ) has more than 50 businesses looking for apprentices, which give people the chance to work and learn at the same time.

Apprentices can develop career focused skills, gain qualifications and get paid to work, but the college, in Worting Road, is struggling to fill the positions.

Lorraine Heath, director of business at BCoT, said: “We have over 50 companies that are after apprentices, which is more than the number of apprentices we currently have. The work is there in a variety of industries and settings.

“We are fortunate to have so many apprenticeships on offer. This stands as testament to the strong links we have with local industry and our past successes. We now need to fill more spaces and ensure more people are placed in work.

“Apprentices work both for the employer, who gets a highly motivated learner that has a passion and thirst for the career he or she has chosen, and also the employee who earns money, qualifications and work based experience.”

Judith Moule, training consultant, added: “We want people to know that the work is there. For every two apprentices, we have three companies after