28 chances to sign up to be an apprentice

YOU’RE hired . . . that is the message Oldham Council will be giving to 28 young people signing up to a new apprentice scheme.

Oldhamers aged 16 to 21 can join the 12-month trainee scheme starting this autumn and learn new skills in a range of council departments.

The new scheme is part of Oldham Council’s long term aims to ‘grow its own staff’ and will run in addition to the existing national apprentice scheme.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, member for finance and resources, said: “The apprentice scheme at the council is very successful and between 1998 and 2008 96 young people were recruited through it.

“However, it is is quite an intensive programme that takes three years.

“It was important to do what we could in order to widen the opportunities available to young people.”

An open day will be held tomorrow, from 3-7pm at Gallery Oldham for young people and their parents or guardians to discuss both schemes.