A NEW initiative from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College will see employers guarantee apprenticeship places to full-time construction students at the college from September 2014.

Launched this month and continuing on an annual basis, the ’Apprenticeship Enrichment Programme’ allows full-time construction students job assurance in their chosen career path if they adhere to the programme guidelines.

So far five employers have entered the pledge including; Pearce Platford, CF Roberts Electrical and Mechanical Services, NKS Contracts Central Ltd, E C Merrett and M Kerry Maintenance.

Marion Mitchell, business support director from CF Roberts, said they had 57 apprentices with SGS College and were pleased to offer a further 25 positions across the electrical and mechanical sectors.

“The Apprenticeship Enrichment Programme is a great way to support young people moving forward and we are dedicated to offering our support to the next generation of apprentices,” he said.

Employers have been attending college on a weekly basis to meet with students, giving them an insight into their companies and the general expectations they have of apprentices, how they apply and where to get information, advice and guidance.

Head of plumbing and electrical at the college, David Quinton, works alongside the employers to devise the Apprenticeship Enrichment Programme to give full-time students further apprenticeship opportunities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners on full-time programmes,” he said.

“ By working in partnership with these local companies, the prospects for our learners to gain employment have increased greatly.

“The learners understand the value of the skills that they are acquiring at college and appreciate the opportunity.”