College showcases its pioneering 14-16 vocational training

CARDIFF and Vale College has showcased the work of its Junior Apprentices to local schools.

They came to see work being done on the college’s pioneering programme to provide vocational career routes to 14 to 16-year-olds.

The Junior Apprenticeship programme was launched in 2016 to increase the number of young people in education, employment and training.

It offers Year 10 and 11 pupils the opportunity to study full-time in a college setting from the age of 14.

The programme was the first of its kind in Wales and recently won a “College Oscar” – a UK-wide Beacon Award from the Association of Colleges for Transition into Post-16 Education and Training.

CAVC head of schools and sixth form Cara Moloney said: “This programme takes the School Link model significantly further and really helps young people who might have thought that school wasn’t for them by offering alternative career routes in a fresh environment, providing challenges and chances to learn in a way they can identify with.”

Eastern High headteacher Armando Di-Finizio said: “It’s great to see all of the Junior Apprentices engaged and at work.

“I think the programme has been a real success – these young people are getting involved in education which is relevant to them, which creates engaged students.”