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.
