200 to get trainee chance

AROUND 200 trainee employment opportunities are to be offered by a new Oldham Council pilot scheme.

The Oldham Young Trainee Programme is part of the council’s “Get Oldham Working” campaign., and will

help 16-24 year olds if approved at the council’s cabinet meeting on Monday.

The programme is for those who don’t meet the two-NVQ minimum apprentice qualifications. Around 150 jobs will help those, while 50 apprenticeships will be offered by the council for six months, bridging what is hoped will be a move to full employment.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton said: “One of the key barriers to employment for many young people is the lack of meaningful work experience or work history.

“There is an urgent need to create jobs for young people and our Get Oldham Working team wants to introduce something new and bold which could expand across the public sector and into the business base of Oldham. Councils don’t have to do this, but we believe it is the right thing to do.”