Sponsored by The Source Skills Academy
Businesses are urged to give pandemic-hit teens a chance to reset their futures through life-shaping work placements.
Students not only lost time in the classroom and struggled to study at home – they missed out on the customary work experience placements which help prepare them for employment.
Many are now finding even the lowest rung of the career ladder out of reach.
The Source Skills Academy is a Sheffield charity which exists to get people into jobs and upskill the employed.
It has moved swiftly to expand its Traineeship programme, which has been changing the lives of jobless 16-18s for over four years.
There will now be four of the educational programmes a year, with places for 20 on each. Over 18 weeks, tutors help students prepare for work, building confidence, improving Maths and English skills, helping them gain qualifications and a professional attitude.
“Our Traineeships are even more crucial now. Teens who have not done well at school get the chance to make a new start,” said Chloe Granger, traineeships delivery team manager.
“When you show faith in a young person who has lost their way, they transform themselves.”
Trainees have 110 hours of work experience with local employers over 10 weeks.
“A good placement is vital. It makes a huge difference to their confidence and communication. They develop a firmer idea of their career path and aim higher, having discovered their worth,” said Chloe.
“This year’s cohort came to us with zero knowledge of the workplace and it was very evident.”
“We are looking for quality placements in customer service, warehousing and admin with companies across the SCR – Rotherham and Sheffield in particular.”
Employers get support from The Source. A risk assessment is created, tutors have regular contact with managers and companies could just find their perfect new apprentice.
“Some trainees go on to college or find jobs, but many aim for apprenticeships; bosses can get to know trainees on placement with them and evaluate how they would fit into their business long-term,” said Chloe.
The next Traineeship course is in February. Contact Sophie.Short@thesourceacademy.org.uk 0114 263569 for a place, or to offer work experience.
Job success for Rotherham trainee Aneeka ZARAR
Aneeka Zarar, 18, from Rotherham, impressed managers at Yorkshire Accommodation Bureau Ltd in Rotherham so much, they set her on as an admin apprentice when she qualified from her Traineeship with The Source a year ago.
“We got to know Aneeka well during her Traineeship work placement with us and knew she had the skills to become part of our team. We were very pleased to set her on as our apprentice and help kickstart her working life,” said manager Laura Else.
How to contact us over festive break
The Source will close for Christmas and New Year at 5.30pm on Tuesday, December 21, re-opening at 8am on Tuesday, January 4.
During this period you can still apply for apprenticeship vacancies advertised on our website at thesourceacademy.co.uk/vacancies or email us about any of our services using our Contact Us page thesourceacademy.co.uk/contact
All enquiries will be responded to on January 4.
We wish our customers a Merry Christmas and look forward to supporting you in 2022 and beyond.
