Ten new apprentices have just started work at Liverpool John Moores University in a new scheme part funded by Liverpool City Council.
The apprentices, who are all aged 16 or 17, are based in the University’s Estate Management department. Over the next 12 months they will work in a variety of roles in administration, catering, computer aided design, facilities management and in LJMU’s print unit.
Julie Lloyd, LJMU’s Human Resource Director, said: “This pilot demonstrates LJMU’s commitment to providing young people with a range of opportunities to access education, employment, and training and to tackling youth unemployment.
“The calibre of the candidates who applied for these apprenticeships was incredibly high. Who knows, some of them could end up studying for relevant degrees at LJMU.”
LJMU’s pilot apprenticeship scheme is part funded by Liverpool City Council through the Merseyside Apprenticeship Programme.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Employment, Enterprise and Skills, said: “This is a great scheme which is giving our young people the opportunity to gain skills and training with an excellent employer.
“Securing a job is hugely important and that is why in these tough economic times we are committed to helping fund high quality apprenticeships.”
Mark Nevitt, LJMU’s Associate Director in Estate Management who has overall responsibility for the apprentices within Estate Management, added: “Like many colleagues, I started my career as an apprentice. I am delighted to be involved in this important initiative.
“It is rewarding to give young people the opportunity to work at LJMU and gain the skills and experience they need to forge their future careers.”
Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive of Greater Merseyside Connexions, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the apprentices to work for a major local employer which has learning at the heart of its operations.
“LJMU offers these young people unparalleled opportunities and they are really pumped up and optimistic about the future.
“The backing from LJMU and Liverpool City Council shows real faith in their potential as individuals. Connexions is delighted to have been able to connect these young people to this opportunity.”
