With unemployment rates for 18 to 24 year olds at an all-time high of 19.1% and a 9.1% drop in employment within the construction industry, it is not surprising that young people seeking a career in the trades are facing a grim challenge.

One local facility, South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has responded by taking an innovative approach to the delivery of Apprenticeships to help students gain work experience whilst also making a valuable contribution to the community.

William Greer, Head of Training at SERC explained the approach: "Students are finding it increasingly difficult to find work placements due to the downturn in the economy and in particular the construction industry. Work experience is a vital part of any apprenticeship programme as this is where students will apply their classroom learning in a particle, real life environment."

Traditionally, students who have not secured a placement with a company are placed on a 'Programme Led Apprenticeship'. This programme is college based with the students replacing time that would normally be spent on work placement with time based in the classroom.

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William continues: "As a means of replacing placements SERC has developed a project based programme. Students get involved in community based projects such as laying a stoned path and erecting wooden raised flower beds for St Colmcille's Primary School, erecting stud walls for the Belfast Bible College, and building a wooden performance platform for the Exodus Christian Youth Centre.

"The programme provides an alternative work placement for students, ensuring they develop workplace skills and technical knowledge, whilst also making a positive contribution to the community.

"Since the initiative was launched in June, over 200 trainees have completed ten projects which is estimated to have saved community and charity organisations approximately £9000, a further 11 projects are in progress."

Atlas Women's Centre in Lisburn is one such organisation who benefited from the SERC initiative. Students have carried out a range of different renovations including creating new offices and building a disability access toilet. Barbara Hamill, Atlas Women’s Centre Chairperson commented: "I commend the team of students and their supervisors for the work they completed on our premises. They were extremely helpful, willing and respectful to both staff and participants within the centre.

"The renovations that were carried out were long overdue but due to financial restrictions we were unable to complete them. I commend SERC on this initiative; they are giving a valuable service to the community."

William concluded: "We are delighted with the success of the initiative so far. Not only are the trainees gaining valuable work experience that will eventually help them gain full-time employment, they are also giving something back to the community. It is refreshing to see young people having such a positive impact on their local community."

(CD/BMcC)