STOCKPORT OPENS FIRST APPRENTICESHIP STORE

Stockport Council opened the borough’s first ‘Apprenticeship Store’ on Monday (25^th November). 

The store opening follows Stockport’s successful 100:100 apprenticeship scheme with local employees pledging to employ 203 apprentices in the last 100 days.

The new facility located in Stockport Exchange (formerly Grand Central) aims to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships. It will advertise available apprenticeships and young people can apply immediately for the ones which attract their interest.

Services available at the Apprenticeship Store include:

–  Helping young people to sign up to the national apprenticeship website;

–  Creating a professional CV;

–  Helping young people with interview techniques to ensure they are as professional as possible to perspective employers;

–  Enabling young people to gain an insight into the role of an apprentice by talking to apprentices employed by Stockport Council;

The Store will work closely with other Council departments and external agencies including the National Careers Service and Job Centre Plus to offer advice and guidance.

Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Achievement, said:

“The Council strongly believes in apprenticeships as they allow young people to gain training, experience and a wage. There are apprenticeships available in many sectors but there are often barriers for young people when it comes to applying.  We aim to remove these obstacles and help young people to take the first steps in their careers”.

“The Council works constructively with local and national apprenticeships providers and local employers and employment agencies to ensure that we can give the young people of Stockport the best possible start in their future careers,” Cllr Alexander added.

The Apprenticeship Store is located in Stockport Exchange, next to the Life Leisure Gym at Grand Central Pools and opposite the multiplex cinema. It is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm. For more information contact 14-19 Services on 0161 474 2350.  

The official opening of the store takes place in January.