Tuesday, 20 November 2012

The perils of being young


With higher tuition fees, higher prices, less opportunities and a lack of jobs, how can young people find jobs in this economy?

At 17, the world is supposed to be your oyster, if you don’t like the idea of working for someone else or training for years and coming out with massive debts ,the Office of National Statistics shows that 315,000 young people currently in full time education are unemployed. Why not take a risk and start your own business?

Lord Sugar, did it and his now worth an estimated £730 million, and Sarah Allison hopes to follow in the business tycoon’s footsteps by opening up her own art business called Lopsi Art.

Sarah, 19 says her business is very unique and down to the imagination of her clients.

She said: “I have started Lopsi Art, without any financial aid or assistance, as I am determined not to fall into a spiral of debt. 

“I considered studying to become an arts teacher, at Staffordshire University, but I felt trapped by the rigid structures of a nine to five routine.

“I also could not justify spending thousands of pounds on a degree, just to receive a bit of paper that told me I can draw.

“The name of my business came to me during my last job my co-workers called me a little un at work. I was always the outgoing one, so I decided to combine the two and feel it has a strong ring to it that sticks in the customers mind.”

“Lopsi Art allows me to express myself.”

If you’re thinking- But how do I start a business on my own with no help, advice or training… You may be interested in taking part in the West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme. There, has been an 18% increase in apprentices across Staffordshire with over 8,540 people taking up apprenticeship schemes overall and 5,020 of these individuals being under the age of 25.

The West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme is a major player in developing young talent, it has the support of 3,500 businesses and over 5,000 schools, colleges, universities and local communities.

It is the UK’s biggest and largest business and education charity, every year over 220,000 young people learn about enterprise and the working world with the help of 3,500 companies.

They argue that a very narrow focus on exams, and academic study can side line and severely weaken young people’s employment skills.

David Barker, Staffordshire’s Regional manager of West Midlands Young Enterprise says those who take part in their scheme have a massive ‘advantage’ over University graduates.

He said: “Young people learn by doing, we help them learn how to run a business for a whole academic year which will give them a tremendous advantage over someone with a degree.

“Our youngsters learn employment skills, the kind of skills that schools do not teach young people. The national curriculum is too heavily focused on how to pass exams. We are teaching them how to get jobs!”

He added: “Ninety per cent of young people just want to get on in life and earn a living, and here at youth enterprise we are determined to help them do that.”

JCB certainly thinks apprenticeships are worthwhile… Their £22 million pound academy, which opened in Rocester, Staffordshire, is estimated to create up to 100 jobs for young people. In 2011 450,000 people became apprentices.

Simon Wood, Technical expert recruit leader of undergraduates said they provide young people with the skills they need to find work within JCB.

The digging firm pays their apprentices on average between £9,000, and £13,000 depending on their age.

He said: “In the last few months, JCB have taken on 53 apprentices, 20 are doing advanced apprenticeships, 19 are craft apprentices, 14 are log apprentices and three are foundation apprentices.

“I think apprenticeships are vital to the British economy, they allow businesses to train people up to the standards a company needs without employing too many people.

“This then allows a business to expand and increase their profit margin.”

Wood, admits that academic study still has a vital role to play in preparing people for the work place.

He said: “Academic study is still relevant, as the more advanced jobs will still require people to go to university.

“In the more practical roles, apprenticeships will give young people over an average four year period the practical experience they need in order to find work.”

National Union of Teachers member for South Staffordshire Gordon Thornhill, said he would like the public to treat both vocational and academic learners equally.

Thornhill said: “Either forms of study, are very important. Vocational training provides young people with on the job training, and there is certainly plenty of job vacancies for those who study apprenticeships.

He added: “Whereas, academic training provides young people with the knowledge they need about the job they plan to go into, and applying the necessary skills needed for employment.”

For those of you who are shy, and feel you need to develop your confidence Linda McQuade, training development manager at the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, believes you should become an apprentice.

She said: “I believe apprenticeships are an excellent way of allowing young people to grow in confidence, and develop strong communication skills.

“People rely heavily on apprentices; they do not sit around from the moment they are taken on as an apprentice, they become a full member of staff with a wide range of responsibilities.”

But, McQuade explains to progress further up the employment ladder young people will need an ‘academic grounding.’

“Academic study is most definitely still relevant to gain progress within the work place young people need to understand this side if they wish to make an impact within the work place.

“Employers are also waking up to the opportunity of allowing their employees to advance their careers. I myself studied and completed my master’s degree which was paid for by my employers.”

For those of you, put off by the debts University incurs, this may be the ideal career route. What this proves is although, times are tough for young people there is still plenty of opportunities out there… It is just down to 16-25 year olds to grab theirs with both hands.  To find out more about Lopsi Art please email Sarah at sarahjane-a@sky.com or call 077429027580.If you are interested and would like to take part in West Midlands Young Enterprise, please call 01865776845 or email info@young-enterprise.org.uk.

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