YOUNG PEOPLE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO TASTE TOP JOBS

 3rd March 2007

Dream work placements at Everton FC, Sony BMG Records and Rick Stein to be won

Young people in England are today being urged to apply for dream work experience placements set up by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

To inspire young people the LSC has launched a competition for 16-18 year olds to win aspirational work placements. The placements include a week at Trevor Sorbie’s salon, Everton FC, the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Sugar magazine or working as a sports journalist for Sportsbeat.

The winner could also find themselves working alongside MP Khalid Mahmood, behind the scenes at Rick Stein’s restaurant, for record company Sony BMG, at Red Bull Formula 1 or backstage at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The LSC has set up the competition to raise awareness of the possibilities young people have – but only if they achieve at least five good GCSEs or the vocational equivalent, such as Level 2 diplomas in subjects like Motor Vehicle Maintenance, Multimedia Design or Animal Care.

Each placement is in an industry where a minimum level of qualifications is essential and highlights the fact that gaining relevant work experience along with these qualifications will add over £141 a month to a young person’s starting salary.

To apply for one of these placements taking in place during May half term young people must log on to www.getsetforlife.org.uk where they can submit a short statement on which position they would most like to win and why they deserve this once in a lifetime experience. The prize includes travel and accommodation near to the work placement, so young people from all over England can apply. For more information and how to apply log on to www.getsetforlife.org.uk

The competition is targeted to reach the 20 per cent[1] of young people who the LSC predicts will drop out of education and training this year in favour of work and access to an immediate pay packet – a decision that some may later come to regret.

David Shaland, Executive Chef at Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant, said:

“This is a great opportunity for a young person to gain an exclusive insight into the hospitality industry. The winner will get a week of hands on experience in the restaurant and a unique opportunity to see what it takes to succeed in this kind of role.

“We’re delighted to be working with the LSC because qualifications are essential for success and we encourage all young people to stay on in learning to achieve their full potential.”

Julia Dowd, Director of Learning at the Learning and Skills Council, said,

“Work experience is absolutely crucial in today’s competitive job market.  Not only does gaining practical work-based experience give young people an opportunity to see whether they are suited to a job, it also means a bigger pay packet when they enter the world of work full-time.”

Phil Hope MP, Skills Minister for the Department of Education and Skills, said:

“By offering work experience to young people we will help create the skilled workforce of tomorrow. Work experience is essential in linking education and employment.  It is critical that all young people are given work experience opportunities as this allows young people to make decisions about their learning and employment paths.

 “We need employers to be working increasingly closely with schools and colleges – by offering Apprenticeships, work based learning and work experience for those in learning.”