Merton Adult Education is welcoming unemployed young people to apply for its free pre-apprenticeship scheme to help them get back into work.

The scheme, which has run three courses to date, aims to support 19-24 year olds not in education and who have been unemployed for at least six months, back into employment or training by developing their skills to help them in the workplace. The eight week course develops candidates’ skills by helping them gain employer-recognised qualifications in Work Skills, First Aid and Information and Communications Technology.

Students of the scheme can benefit from a mentor and one-to-one sessions to help guide them back into employment or training as well as workshops in CV building, employability, job search sessions and visits from guest speakers including apprenticeship providers and employers.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton said: “With high levels of unemployment amongst young people, it is great to see a course that takes a realistic approach to preparing its students for the work place. It is also fantastic to see students of this scheme going on to secure work and apprenticeships.”

Merton Adult Education’s pre-apprenticeship scheme runs every twelve weeks, with the next intake starting in November. Information on how to apply to take part in the scheme can be found at: http://www.maec.ac.uk

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