14 September 2009
Farnborough College of Technology were delighted that their apprentice student Jennifer Lavelle was interviewed on the popular BBC programme ‘Working Lunch’ to raise awareness of the National Skills Academy Financial Services (NSAFS), apprenticeships and the work NSAFS is doing with employers. Farnborough College of Technology is NSAFS’ lead training provider in the South-East of England.
Apprentices learn a variety of vital skills such as critical customer service and sales skills in addition to technical knowledge required for their roles. Jennifer works for AON in Farnborough, the UK’s largest insurance broker, and is one of the 5 apprentices who are studying for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Retail Financial Services through NSAFS at the College.
Lauren Tolley another apprentice has a position as a trainee Client Manager at AON she joined the apprenticeship programme in October 2008 and said: “I feel that the programme has given me a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, widen my knowledge of the financial services industry and earn while I'm learning.”
The College offers various apprenticeship schemes and has found, even in light of the current recession, that employers are still taking on apprentices and that young people in this area do still have opportunities for jobs. Farnborough College of Technology has a dedicated department, Training Enterprise, looking after the needs of students and companies. This year the College has seen an additional 120 new apprentices sign up. As well as traditional apprenticeships in Construction and Hairdressing there are new opportunities in Catering, Financial Services, Business Administration and Customer Services.
Mandy France who leads the Training Enterprise team said; “Don’t assume there aren’t jobs out there. For candidates with the right ability, attitude and commitment, employers are still willing to train through an apprenticeship programme. This year we have seen some excellent new opportunities being offered to youngsters in the Engineering and Catering fields; in fact the successful Aviator Hotel in Farnborough has just recruited 4 new apprentices.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Apprenticeship scheme should come along to the next College Open Day Wednesday 14th October 4pm-8pm and meet the Team.