News June 2009
A local employer is shocked and disappointed with the support he received when trying to employ an apprentice.
Terry Forsey, the UK’s leading technology sales and marketing coach based in Gretton wanted to offer an apprenticeship to a young person - but unable to offer the rigorous interview process like the one for Sir Alan Sugar’s apprentice, Terry approached the local business support services for help.
"The position would offer the opportunity to learn and gain experience in the world of technology, whilst also earning a real wage,” explained Terry. “In April of this year I approached ‘Business Link’ to see what could be done. The process started well with a meeting to discuss the needs of my business and how an apprentice would fit in. I was told to ‘leave it with them’ and I’d wait to hear of progress. And wait I did! Three weeks passed and nothing came. I called to see what was happening and then was asked to repeat myself and give the same details as in the meeting the month before!”
Terry had told the advisor that he wanted a marketing apprentice to specialise in online advertising, pay-per-click technology and associated IT skills. But he was informed that there weren’t any training providers that could help him.
“I find it incredible that in this age of computers and online business that we, as a nation, are not teaching people the skills to succeed in this particular area. This seems to be very shortsighted, as who will be taking British industry forward in the years to come? Will we again be lagging behind the rest of the world, as other countries invest in young people and their relevant educations and we seem to be doing nothing?”
Terry also investigated the Internship programme to take on a graduate – but as before, after an initial conversation nothing has happened!
“I have now been forced to change the person specification for this job – as my business demands this role is filled quickly. I am now looking for someone returning to work on a part-time basis that already has these skills. I am disappointed not to have an apprentice and saddened that the support and training infrastructure seems lacking. How many other employers have had this experience? I dread to think…”
ENDS
