A NEW scheme has been launched in East Yorkshire to help residents find work.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s employment and skills team has launched its Fast Forward To Apprenticeship programme to boost people’s chances of finding work in the area.

The programme, funded by Jobcentre Plus flexible support, will help unemployed people aged 16 and over who want to become an apprentice, and ultimately get a job.

The team will work closely with its own apprenticeship training provider, East Riding Training Services, as well as other local colleges and providers to train and support local unemployed people to apply for apprentice opportunities. The programme will be run in Goole, Beverley and Bridlington.

The aim is to match the employability skills gap between an apprenticeship provider and employer.

Sara Arnold, employment and skills manager, said: “Often people fail when applying for an apprenticeship vacancy because they haven’t known where to look for apprenticeships on offer, are unsure what is out there and don’t understand how an employer expects them to perform at interview.

“Fast Forward To Apprenticeship aims to address this problem by working closely with suitable, motivated candidates.”

Coun Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The current economic climate is challenging both the public and private sector.

“This council is committed to helping residents find employment and training, especially younger people, and Fast Forward To Apprenticeships provides an excellent starting point.”

Jill Gibson, partnership manager from Jobcentre Plus, said: “We all realise that apprenticeships are a great way for unemployed customers to get their first experience of the world of work.

“Jobcentre Plus is pleased to be working with the council’s employment and skills team to support our customers in accessing apprenticeships.”

“Fast Forward To An Apprenticeship is for people who are aged 16 years and above and currently claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

“The programme is an ideal starting place which will give individuals the employability skills and knowledge that they need to apply for an apprenticeship and ultimately get a job.”

Individuals will spend four weeks on the programme and then ongoing support is provided, if required.

The first programme starts in Beverley during January. For details, phone 01482 887670.