Kent County Council is undertaking a project to support vulnerable young people into Apprenticeships with employers from across the public and private sector.  The project aims to uncover the barriers businesses face when employing these young people, what barriers young people face accessing Apprenticeships and what the longer term benefits for the young people, the employers and their communities are.  The project has, to date, supported 69 young people in to Apprenticeships and is now implementing phase 2 in which there are 35 further places.

KCC is supporting: 

• Young Offenders
• Young adult offenders
• Looked After Children leaving care
• Young people with disabilities or mental health problems 

Project Overview: 

• KCC paying salary of £105 per week for up to 12 months
• Employers will need to pay the salary after initial 12 months
• Support with travel costs and equipment
• Countywide opportunities needed in a variety of skill areas
• Training provided byKent’s top work based learning providers
• Aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 years old
• Continued support for young people and employers from central KCC project team and key workers
• Support for young people to find permanent employment if their current employer cannot keep them on when they complete their Apprenticeship 

“I’d never have even interviewed her, I’d have thrown out her resume or application but the fact that the project was backed by KCC made me think twice. They told me about her record and she was really honest about it herself – now I really couldn’t imagine my business without her” (Employer in phase 1 of the project)

Employers needed! 

KCC, through the innovative Apprenticeship project, has identified 15 committed, hard working young people aged 16-24 who are looking for businesses in Kent to employ them as Apprentices.  KCC will pay their salary of £105 per week for 12 months as they undertake their Apprenticeship qualification and the Government will pay for their training – all you need to do is provide the employment opportunity and support their learning in the workplace. 

Apprentices will help your business grow contributing to a motivated, accredited workforce ready for the future, they provide an excellent return on investment and will bring fresh ideas and skills to your business. 

The young people are looking for the following roles: 

Ashford – IT and Landscaping

Canterbury– Construction

Maidstone– Business Admin, Customer Service, Construction

Shepway – Health & Social Care, It

Swale – Construction (x5)

Thanet – Engineering 

If you think that you can provide a meaningful opportunity for one of our young people, please e-mail vlapprenticeships@kent.gov.uk and we will contact you to tell you more.