Local search for apprentices begins

Date published: 15/06/2007

This week Rochdale Training starts its annual search in Rochdale and surrounding towns for the most enthusiastic and motivated 16 to 19 year olds to undertake Modern Apprenticeships; offering young people the opportunity to "earn while you learn" and their parents peace of mind that they’re starting a good career.

Ernest Curzon, Workshop Manager, commented: "Apprentices get full time employment with a local company, competitive rates of pay and first-class training in practical engineering or business skills. With all the redevelopment work going on in Rochdale currently, more firms are now looking to take on youngsters and the skills we provide on our apprenticeships set the lads up for a life-long career. If someone likes tinkering with engines or making things, they’d be great for an apprenticeship."

One local firm that took on an apprentice last year is Chelburn Precision Ltd based on the Transpennine Estate. 17 year-old Chris Dearden had been unemployed for several months after leaving school but staff at Rochdale Training thought he showed the commitment and enthusiasm to do well and introduced him to Chelburn. Chris is now really pleased they did.

He said: "Working with Chelburn amp; Rochdale Training as an apprentice is more than I could have hoped for 6 months ago. I’m learning practical skills in my training, which I then use when I’m at Chelburn and earning good money at the same time. My friends at college don’t have as much money to spend as me and I’m doing something I really enjoy and see a good future in."

Rochdale Training wants all their apprentices to have long successful careers and works hard to ensure they place the apprentice with the most suitable local employer. To do this, all applicants are interviewed to ensure their strengths, interests, drive and personality are fully understood in order to make the best apprentice-employer match.

More than ten of the members of staff at Chelburn served apprenticeship with Rochdale Training and they fondly remember the training staff. One of them said: "Mr Curzon and Mr Moore (Ernie amp; Eddie) were there when I was an apprentice in the late ’70s. They both give excellent guidance and training and it’s reassuring to know that today’s youngsters get the same in-depth practical training as we did – it certainly set me up for a good career here in Rochdale."

Rochdale Training welcomes calls from local youngsters, their parents and local companies wanting to know more about apprenticeships. For more information:

Call Rochdale Training on 01706 631417

Email: info@rochdaletraining.co.uk

Visit: www.rochdaletraining.co.uk