Apprentices to get help with applications

The £450,000 Apprenticeship Application Support Fund is looking for new projects run by training organisations to increase the quality and success rate of applications for apprenticeship vacancies.

It is being managed by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers(AELP).

In the youth employment market, apprenticeships are seen as a valuable commodity by both young people and employers alike, yet often the application process itself can be the major stumbling block.

Paul Warner, AELP'sdirector of employment and skills, said:

“It is important to recognise that solutions will not be 'one size fits all', and therefore we are keen to receive bids which encourage new ideas and new approaches.

"In particular we would be interested to look at how under-represented groups in apprenticeships could be better supported in the application process."

The basis of the project is to ensure that every young person who applies for an apprenticeship, particularly those using the AV system, has every support to ensure that their applications present their capabilities and potential in the best possible light.