New Student Traineeships at Aylesbury College a Great Success

Student Trainees at Aylesbury College have been giving their thoughts on the first weeks of their course and their work placements within the college. The pilot scheme, run by Aylesbury College’s Enterprise Academy, began this month with five students ahead of the main lunch of Traineeships in January.

Traineeships were launched by Government in September this year. They combine essential work skills training for young people, with a high quality work placement to prepare them for an Apprenticeship or employment.

Elodie, age 18, comments: ‘My work placement in the College Marketing department is really fun! I have already learned so much on Photoshop and really enjoy it. Aylesbury Enterprise Academy has given me a great opportunity’.

Elodie’s enthusiasm is matched by that of Jasmin, age 17, who has been working with the College’s Reception team, and added: ‘Aylesbury Enterprise Academy’s Traineeships show you the reality of the working world so you can gain real work experience. It also gives you the chance of experience in an area you enjoy.’

Students undertaking Traineeships undertake essential work preparation training including Maths and English (for those who don’t already have GCSE A*-C equivalent), alongside high quality work experience from six weeks up to a maximum of six months. The work preparation element ensures the individual has the skills and confidence needed, with the work experience giving meaningful insight into the world of work.

Tim Keighley, Executive Director of Engagement & Business Development commented: ‘Schemes like Traineeships are becoming ever more important as we aim to prepare the next generation of young people for employment. Starting in January 2014, the College is offering several courses to help young people aged 16-18 get ready for the world of work’.

As well as Traineeships, the College is offering ‘Suited, Booted and Recruited’ – a two week course that will help with team building skills, CV writing, job searching and interview skills; while a six month course called ‘Be the Boss of You’ aimed at budding entrepreneurs, will advise on money management, leadership skills, business planning and marketing.

The courses are aimed at young people aged 16-18 who are not in education or training. For more information email: aylesburyenterprise@aylesbury.ac.uk, call 01296 588595, visit www.aylesbury.ac.uk, or visit the January Courses Open Day on Thursday 9 January 2014, 3:30pm – 6pm.