Could you be the next apprentice?

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The first Off The Bench apprentices (L-R): Jamie De Boick, Alice Carter, Tyler Wells, Hannah Turner, and OTB Chief Exec Pete Genders (center)

Twenty full-time apprenticeships and 40 pre-aprenticeship works placements are up for grabs for Lincoln young people aged 16-18 years from Lincolnshire youth organisation Off The Bench.

In a month where the government has released the highest unemployment figures the UK has seen since the 1980s, the apprenticeships are targeted at young people who are currently NEET (not in education, employment or training).

The opportunities on offer are Sports Development Assistants and Activity Leaders, working to deliver a range of sports and positive activities to people of all ages across the city, county and national events organisation by Off The Bench in partnership with StreetGames and Lincolnshire County Council.

The apprenticeships offer NVQ Level 2 qualifications, delivered by national training agency ActiveFirst. On completion of all the qualifications, learners will have the opportunity to apply for a position of Apprenticeship Activity Leader with Off The Bench in partnership with Route2.

The pre-apprenticeship programme starts on April 1, and the first cohort of 10 apprentices to start May 1, with the second round to start on September 1, which gives the first 10 a chance to settle in and become mentors for the second 10.

Michael Skinner from Off The Bench said: “We’re all aware these are difficult times for young people at the moment with much of the national media focused on the doom and gloom of the economy.

“We’re therefore extremely excited and happy to be offering the young people of Lincoln the chance of a route into work and getting them active in something they enjoy,” he added.

Steve Walker, Careers Guidance Service Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Careers Lincolnshire, the County Council’s Careers Service, is pleased to provide their support, through partnership working, to Off the Bench and their new initiative to enhance the support offered to unemployed young people in the Lincoln area in accessing support services and opportunities for employment and training.”

For any young person interested in or wanting to apply for one of the available apprenticeships, please contact Off The Bench on 01522 837293 or email [email protected].