TPM - Training Plus merseyside

News

01/09/08

Learners contribute to The DIUS-LSC review of inequalities in Apprenticeships

The DIUS Ministerial Delivery Unit and the LSC recently led a short review on addressing inequalities in apprenticeships. With support from a steering group and an expert group including organisations such as Entrepreneurs in Action, Remploy, the Black Training and Enterprise Group, The Experience Corps, YWCA and DCSF. The purpose of the review is to build on the proposals for critical mass and mentoring pilots announced as part of World Class Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building Skills for All

Training Plus mereyside collaborated with Ecotec as part of this review, and conducted three one hour focus groups which canvassed the views of learners from Black and ethnic minority communities; Men in non-traditional vocations (Childcare & Hairdressing) and those with a learning difficulty or disability in order to support the research and gain greater understanding of the barriers and isolation issues young people encounter when accessing or during Apprenticeship training.

The event was held in our new 'Internet Cafe' at 66Lime Street; which was a perfect venue for young people to kick-back and give their valued opinions. Shona Macleod from Ecotec remarked that the focus groups had been very effective and that learners had contributed excellently to the days events and had not held back. Training Plus' Director Brian Quinn who organised the event and was also interviewed, said "we are serious about equality and diversity here, and what better way to make a positive contribution than to allow learners to play a part in addressing inequality socially and being empowered through it".

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