Justin Tomlinson MP with Clyde, who benfitted from Plan 500's scheme last year
With apprentice starts forecasted to pass those starting university degrees next year, Justin Tomlinson MP today joined Swindon employers, apprentices and youth service providers at the launch of apprentice scheme Plan 500 at Nationwide in Swindon.
Plan 500 aims to provide opportunities for young people (16-24) in Swindon. Last year, the scheme surpassed its target, seeing over 500 young people find apprenticeship or work experience opportunities in Swindon. It enables businesses to support a community need for youth employment whilst meeting a business need for a skilled local talent pool.
Now in its second year, Plan 500 will work with partners and employers to provide:
• 150 Work Experience opportunities
• 150 apprenticeship opportunities
• 100 business mentoring opportunities
• 50 work based qualification opportunities
• 50 opportunities in support of the school Diploma
The launch heard from a number of partners about the ambitions of the scheme and the benefits it can bring to local employers. In a national survey of employers, a staggering 76% said that apprentices improved productivity and 77% though that it made them more competitive. National chain Superdrug estimates that employers see a 700% on their investment in an apprentice, demonstrating the advantage that Swindon businesses can gain from taking part in Plan 500.
Lord Digby Jones spoke of the wider importance of getting a whole generation of young people equipped with the skills UK business needs to stay competitive in a century likely to be dominated by rising economies such as China and India.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Plan 500 is a fantastic scheme to help Swindon’s young people get the skills and start they need to find that first job. Last year the scheme got over 500 young people from Swindon into local businesses and I hope it continues to grow.”
Justin Tomlinson MP talks to former Minister Lord Digby Jones
Justin Tomlinson MP with the team from Inner Flame, a local organisation that provides
training and personal development for young people
