Minister speaks up for Bradford apprentices (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Minister speaks up for Bradford apprentices

12:40pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Business By Chris Holland

A Bradford trainee electrician is to star in a new national campaign to promote apprenticeships.

Nisar Ahmed, who works for Bradford-based social housing group Incommunities, will appear in the campaign for the National Apprenticeship Service which aims to persuade more companies to take on apprentices and people to take up skills training.

Nisar, who is also working towards an NVQ Level 3 with Little Germany-based City Training Services and Bradford College, joined other participants at the campaign launch at the House of Commons.

Skills minister John Hayes said: “This exciting new campaign will spread the word that apprenticeships not only deliver the skills businesses need in order to grow, they also enable people to build long, fulfilling and productive careers.

“We are committed to making it easier for employers to take on trainees, in part by cutting bureaucracy, raising quality standards and providing cash incentives to small firms who want to take on apprentices.”

Nisar said: “I work in a team rewiring people’s homes. I’ve got a mentor and a manager who gives me advice and support, and teaches me new skills every day. At the end of my four-year apprenticeship I’ll be a qualified electrician and nearer to my ultimate goal of a successful career in construction.”

Incommunities chief executive Geraldine Howley said: “We’re thrilled that Nisar’s success will be recognised on a national scale. Apprenticeships are part of the DNA of Incommunities and we have been ranked as one of the top 100 apprentice employers.

“We challenge our apprentices to learn as they go, and split their development between the classroom and the field. It’s good for both parties: they get skills that help them in their careers; we get talented people who benefit the future of our business.”

Jaine Bolton, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “It’s fantastic that Nisar and Incommunities are working with us to promote the very real, positive, difference apprenticeships make. Encouraging more people to take up quality apprenticeships is absolutely vital in equipping young people with the skills they need for the future – and the skills that Britain needs to grow.”

Meanwhile, law firm Schofield Sweeney has recruited apprentice Sarah Metcalfe as a junior secretary at its Bradford office. Wyke-born Sarah, 17, was recruited through City Training Services.

Sarah said: “I wanted to take the work route rather than the educational one as I thought learning on the job would be more beneficial.”

Managing partner Martin Sweeney said: "We were delighted to offer Sarah this training opportunity.”