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WBTC an independent training provider looking for great staff to join us. We currently have opportunities for

1. Receptionist/Administrator

2. Apprentice Assessor for Business Admin, Customer Service & Management

For a full job description and/or to apply for the position please send a full CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to carol@wbtc-uk.com or for enquiries please call 01635 35975.     

NEWS

Tuition fees spark fall in university applications

Recent figures have highlighted how the increase in university tuition fees (which come into effect this year) appear to have discouraged applicants. Universities in England are able to charge up to £9000 per year for entrants in 2012 and this appears to be impacting on participation. ‘University applications from UK students for the first year of higher tuition fees are down by 8.7%, according to figures from the admissions service. With fees rising to up to £9,000 per year, the impact has been biggest for England's universities - down by 9.9%.’ BBC News

What is the alternative?

West Berkshire has always had a high ‘stay-on’ rate into education with many young people leaving school or college to go to university. This year with some people leaving sixth-form with A Levels but concerned about the debt associated with higher education the question is ‘what is the alternative?’ This is a good question considering the record number of 16-24 year olds who are currently out of work. ‘When the higher tuition fees were announced in 2011 we saw a large increase in the number of applicants for Apprenticeship from A Level students,’ said Natalie Austin from West Berkshire Training Consortium. ‘It is highly likely that this will be repeated in the summer of 2012 and many academic young people who would have gone to university will be discouraged by the cost. Local sixth forms and colleges will be mindful that some highly able young people will simply not wish to build up student debt and will instead want to join the work force. Apprenticeships are one way in which these young people can get into a career and continue their learning.’

It appears that the ever increasing university admissions may be halted for the time being. It is vital that 18 year olds are provided with all the information, advice and guidance to equip them for leaving full time education. Interaction with prospective employers and with Apprenticeship providers are two routes to consider.‘By working together schools, colleges, training providers and employers can help young people who are wary of tuition fees,’ Natalie added. ‘We can ensure that they have all the information that they need to pursue alternatives and avoid adding to the growing list of jobless young people’.

West Berkshire Council leading the way in tackling youth unemployment

Local authorities are responsible for collecting data on the number of NEET young people in their area. Thankfully West Berkshire suffers from a lower percentage of NEETs than some neighbouring boroughs and this can be put down to a number of factors

1. A long standing tradition of progressing into sixth form, college and Apprenticeships
2. A comparatively better placed business base for the provision of vacancies
3. Local initiatives that help NEET young people

The leadership role that a local council can give in reducing youth unemployment should not be underestimated. For example Kent County Council has recently launched an incentive to provide more job opportunities. Referring to an initiative to provide cash incentives to local businesses to employ 16-18 year olds

‘Councillor Mike Hill, cabinet spokesman for communities, said the plan was to give young people some work experience and help them find employment. He said: "Young people who have been out of work for a long time lose the confidence and the ability to get a job and we are trying to make sure we help the young people of Kent."’ BBC News website

Activities in West Berkshire to reduce NEET

Closer to home West Berkshire Council has been a strong sponsor of a new initiative called BIONIC which brings together the local college, training providers and schools. BIONIC aims not only to provide help to young people who are NEET but also to those at risk of becoming NEET. Through funding provided by central government and monitored by local government, BIONIC aims to help the most vulnerable young people and progress them into a sustainable job or college course. So far over 60 local young people have been progressed out of NEET and into meaningful work and/or learning.

In addition as the biggest local employer the local authority has also been a strong provider of Apprenticeships for young people.

Against a backdrop of rising youth unemployment the role of the local council is pivotal. It helps to fund initiatives for local young people and also lead as an employer. By leading the way local councils can help inspire other employers to get involved too.