»»Apprenticeships Store to close
STOCKPORT’S Apprenticeship Store – the only one in Greater Manchester – has been earmarked for closure just months after celebrating its third birthday.
The closure plans come as part of the council’s budget proposals as bosses struggle to save millions in the wake of continued government cuts. It is estimated that the council will have to become completely self-sufficient by 2020.
The council says the closure of the Apprenticeships Store, which would come into effect on April 1 next year and is currently under consultation, would save around £55,000.
The store fulfils a number of functions, including supporting employers to create apprenticeship posts and recruit apprentices; helping people to understand what apprenticeships are available and how to apply and hosting parent information evenings and apprenticeships training.
As it celebrated its third anniversary in January this year the Apprenticeships Store was hailed a success and described as ‘the only one of its kind in the country able to offer a range of support to potential apprentices, employers and key advisors.’
Council chiefs say in the event of closure they ‘would look for alternative accommodation to deliver apprenticeship-related activities to providers’ and that they ‘propose to consider alternative methods of engaging with target audiences as well as increased use of digital media.’
However, it is acknowledged that the closure may reduce the support available to young people, employers and parents and reduce the opportunities available to training providers and schools/colleges.
The Federation of Small Businesses has hit out at the plans, stating that ‘withdrawing funding for this important face-to-face service will impact on the level and quality of advice on offer.’
Robert Downes, development manager at the FSB, said: “Small business owners – our members – repeatedly tell us there’s a growing skills shortage, with too few young workers possessing the expertise employers need. Part of the problem is lack of careers advice, so how is this closure going to help?
“Too many schools in Greater Manchester do very little to promote apprenticeships; some don’t have the resources or knowledge to do so, while many more prefer to only promote further and higher education options. Axing this support facility simply means a lot of young people, many of whom will need help to make important life choices, will have be left to go it alone. It’s not really very inclusive.”