THE future of a popular youth cafe has been secured in Yate after news it has been officially transferred to the town council, and now local people are being called to apply for its successful apprenticeship scheme.


The official transfer of the Armadillo Yate Youth Cafe, on Station Road, took place on Wednesday, April 8, and with the change of ownership the cafe staff are now encouraging local people to come forward and become apprentices with a retail and business administration vacancies.


Chair of the Armadillo management committee, Chris Willmore, said: “Originally established with support from both Yate Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council, as part of its cuts, the project was put under threat when South Gloucestershire announced it could no longer fund it in September 2013.


“After a long period of negotiation, Yate Town Council took over theentire building, and staff, with a large financial settlement from South Gloucestershire which will help run the venue for the next few year.


“This secures its future, and will be great news for the huge numbers of young people who use it regularly.


“I really want to thank the officers and councillors of Yate Town Council for all their work in making sure a deal was done that will mean the Armadillo continues.


“The Armadillo has always been committed to providing opportunities through apprenticeships.”


Hundreds of young people use the cafe every week, which is open six days a week, after school, evenings and Saturdays, as well as groups and businesses who hire it during the day.


Eleanor Machin, business manager at the Armadillo, said: “We are committed to having apprentices each year because we believe it is important that young, local, enthusiastic and talented people are supported to enter the workplace and given the opportunity to thrive.


We recognise that these are tough times for young people in Yate and who are trying to get a foot on the career ladder and launch their careers.


“We have found from the previous apprentices that being part of a local project, making a difference to other young people lives locally really gave them a sense of belonging.


“They become role models for younger users of the venue helping others aspire to pursue a career once they leave education.”


For further details and to apply all applications must be made online through the national apprenticeship service website; at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is the end of the month.