ALTON Town Council organised a breakfast meeting at Alton College, focusing on the role of apprenticeships and how employers can encourage students to ‘earn while they learn’.

More than 30 attendees, representing businesses across the town, came along to find out more about the apprenticeship levy and the East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) scheme designed to support employers looking to take on young workers.

The event was opened by Alton College principal Sara Russell, who emphasised the importance of choice in education to prepare young people for a future which is right for them, whether in higher or further education or in the workplace.

The keynote speaker, Judith Moule of Aspiral Learning (based at Basingstoke College of Technology), explained to the assembled group that apprenticeships were no longer aimed at entry-level manual jobs but included almost every career path and at all levels of education – including degree level.

She also emphasised that apprenticeships were for people of all ages, not just young adults, and that ‘apprenticeship levy’ funds could be used not only to train new workers but to ‘upskill’ existing workers.

Judith highlighted the central government funding available, irrespective of the size of business.

Julie McLatch, the business development manager for Alton, talked specifically about the Wheels to Works scheme which is run by Community First and funded by Hampshire County Council, which is open to residents of East Hampshire, and the Get East Hampshire Working apprenticeship programme, which EHDC part-funds and manages.

The Wheels to Work scheme focuses on providing financial assistance where a new worker is struggling to find or finance appropriate transport to get to work. The apprenticeship programme assists employers who take on apprentices by ‘topping up’ the salary paid to that apprentice and to help fund training in certain circumstances. The scheme is subject to eligibility and there is a simple application process.

Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, hosted the open forum part of the meeting. The questions from businesses were wide ranging, and demonstrated that a number of them already employ apprentices and are supportive of any scheme that encourages people of all ages into work.

On April 11, Alton College will host an employment fair for mature workers looking for a change of career or a way point into volunteering.