Connexions Kent and K College (formerly West Kent College) have formed a unique alliance aimed at matching college students with employers looking to take on young Apprentices.
The College's dedicated Apprenticeship Team has built up a relationship with Connexions Employer Liaison Consultant (ELC) Alison Mannell, who is the link to local employers. Part of her job is to be aware of employment needs in the West Kent area so that she can make the college and other training providers aware of career opportunities for young people.
Earlier this year local employer Greg Pugh of Victoria Joinery decided to take on an Apprentice and was advised by the local Job Centre to enlist the help of Connexions. ELC Alison discussed the position with him and promoted the vacancy via the Connexions JobsLive website and the vacancy board in the Connexions Access Point in Tonbridge.
She also approached the Apprenticeship Team at K College (formerly West Kent College), who put forward several students from their Carpentry and Joinery course. Of these, 16 year-old Samuel Buffery was offered the Apprenticeship with Victoria Joinery.
Employer Greg Pugh says:
My experience of the process has been nothing but positive. I could not have been more impressed with Connexions Alison, and the College.
Included in the free job matching service offered to Victoria Joinery was the provision at the College of both interview facilities and extra expertise.
As partners, Connexions and the College can also help with interviewing candidates.says ELC Alison Mannell. Many small employers welcome this service, which usually comes as an expense when offered by recruitment consultants.
At K College (formerly West Kent College) great efforts are made towards encouraging their students into work based learning, a combination of on the job training and day release at college. They say their links with Connexions not only benefit the students, but also employers willing to invest in young trainees.
The last word comes from new Apprentice Samuel Buffery, who says:
The Apprenticeship means that, not only am I employed, but I can go on to a second year at College to gain my NVQ2 in Carpentry and Joinery. In the short time I’ve been at Victoria Joinery I’ve learned a lot. I’d say the way I’ve done it is a good route to go down.
