The Let Me Play apprentices
Ever thought about taking on an apprentice but didn’t know where to start?
If so, a new campaign to match 100 young people with employers has launched this month to help businesses nab an ambitious apprentice.
The 100 Apprentices in 100 Days campaign – which runs to 19 October – aims to give businesses all the help they need to run a successful apprenticeship.
West Kensington-based youth training company and apprentice provider Let Me Play is leading on the project, which will help people aged from 16 to gain paid work, and train at the same time.
Let Me Play managing director Amy Lalla explained: “We work with aspiring, talented young people who are hungry for opportunity and driven to make a success of their lives.
“But we simply don’t have enough employers to take them on as apprentices.”
She added that some businesses are put off because of concerns about paperwork, but needn’t be worried.
“At Let Me Play, our highly experienced team will make sure every aspect of the process is taken care of,” she said. “As an employer you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a positive difference to a young person’s life by assisting them on the path to a great future.
“We need to stand up for local communities, and helping our young people join the workforce to become active contributors is a brilliant start.”
Another concern for businesses is the new Government apprenticeship levy, which will ask companies with a pay bill of more than £3m to help fund apprentice training from April 2017.
Smaller businesses will have an allowance of up to £15,000, or 0.5 per cent of their pay bill, to put towards the levy so they don’t lose out.
“In many cases, it’s simply a case of a young person getting that first opportunity,” pointed out Amy. “We find that once they’ve got their foot on the employment ladder, they thrive, making a real impact on their employers and success of their lives.”
The campaign to involve local businesses is running for the first time this year, but Let Me Play – which is based in Blythe Road – has already worked with 25 apprentices on a separate schools-based scheme last year, and Amy added it had been ‘the most fantastic success’.
To sign up online visit www.apprenticeshipchallenge.com, or for more information email education@letmeplay.co.uk or call 020 3475 7511.
