YMCA urges government and employers to reach apprenticeship target

The YMCA is calling upon the Government and employers from across the UK to work together to offer apprenticeship opportunities to thousands.

Matthew Hancock MP, Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise, will offer his support to the charity’s campaign at the launch of ‘2,014 in 2014: The YMCA and You’ on 10th March at a House of Commons reception. As the event’s name implies, YMCA Training – the dedicated training arm of Central YMCA, the world’s first YMCA – aims to secure 2,014 Apprenticeship places, with employers from a range of different sectors pledging places, by the end of the year.

Following National Apprenticeship Week, YMCA Training hopes to further raise the profile of Apprenticeships amongst employers, individuals, young people, teachers and parents, reinforcing the message that Apprenticeships provide a valuable vocational route in to skilled work, with benefits to both employers and apprentices.

Rosi Prescott, Chief Executive of Central YMCA, commented: “We know that Apprenticeships work, with palpable, long-term benefits for apprentices and employers. Through this event, and through working hand-in-hand with employers, Government and would-be apprentices, we hope to play our part in making 2014 the year of the apprentice.”

Anne Linsey, Managing Director of YMCA Training, added: “YMCA Training has a long history and proven track record of providing successful Apprenticeships across a wealth of sectors – from health and social care to horticulture, retail and teaching. We want to reach out to more employers across the country to let them know that we are here to help them discover just what an Apprenticeship programme can do for them and their business.”

Visit the YMCA Training website for more information about YMCA Apprenticeship programmes or take a look at our apprenticeship video and pledge leaflet below.