Update: Following government decision the YA programme came to a close at the end of Cohort 7, July 2012. Have you seen AutoStart? The new automotive based vocational training programme designed for learners in school who are aged 14-16.
After attending an initial discussion with teachers where the Young Apprenticeship programme was described, Laura and her parents attended an event run by South Kent College to dig deeper into the requirements of the programme and what it would mean to her school studies.
Laura began her Young Apprenticeship programme at South Kent College in September 2005. Along with seven other colleagues from her school, Laura spends every Thursday and Friday at college where during the first two terms of the programme she gained her Vehicle Maintenance and Repair award at level one. From the third term Laura will be going to South Kent College on Thursday and her work placement on Friday and will progress to level two award.
Whilst on work placement, Laura will be supported by South Kent College where she will be given help to develop the skills required to achieve her qualification and her goal of progressing to an Apprenticeship at 16. Laura’s normal duties will involve working alongside her Supervisor, where she will carry out a range of motor-vehicle work, such as changing oil and tyres.
As well as developing the skills required to achieve the qualification, Laura will be involved in a number of awareness raising activities over the course of the Young Apprenticeship programme. These will give her the information she will need to decide what to do next. Laura will have the choice of progressing to higher-education or and apprenticeship in further education and training.
Laura and her group will also benefit from additional activities that are related to the motor industry. These activities will include visits to car manufacturers, career events, listening to speakers from dealerships and attendance at motor show events. There is also the added possibility of a exchange programme with French students studying similar things at Renault.