LSC Smashes Learner Targets

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Lincolnshire and Rutland has smashed its local target for Apprenticeships. Within the last 12 months (ending 31st July 2004), 1,675 local young people started an Apprenticeship, exceeding the target of 1,583 set for the LSC by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). These Public Service Agreement targets are fixed annually for each LSC and relate to the number of young people aged between 16 and 21 starting an Apprenticeship for the first time.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Lincolnshire and Rutland has smashed its local target for Apprenticeships. Within the last 12 months (ending 31st July 2004), 1,675 local young people started an Apprenticeship, exceeding the target of 1,583 set for the LSC by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). These Public Service Agreement targets are fixed annually for each LSC and relate to the number of young people aged between 16 and 21 starting an Apprenticeship for the first time.

“Our providers and partners have worked very hard to help us get more young people into work-based learning,” said Paul Williamson, executive director of the Lincolnshire and Rutland LSC. “Our target was surpassed by over five per cent and reflects all round improvements in local delivery, planning and contracting, and in the quality of training – all of which has encouraged local companies to recruit more Apprentices.”

The Apprenticeship programme gives young people the opportunity to train and acquire a recognised qualification – such as NVQ level 2 or 3 – while earning a wage. Apprenticeships offer employers the chance to recruit highly motivated staff and develop skills matched to their business’ needs. There are currently over 220,000 young people on Apprenticeships nationwide, and 16-24 year olds can choose from over 150 Apprenticeships in 80 different industry sectors.

A national TV-led media campaign launched last May was designed to generate employer interest in creating new Apprenticeship places; a second phase of the campaign started earlier this month. The LSC is also working closely with the Sector Skills Councils to promote the benefits of Apprenticeships to specific industry areas. As a result of this campaign, over 70 local leads are currently being processed. This gives the LSC a head start towards achieving its target for this year – which is even higher than last years.