Apprentices set for team of the year finals challenge

Things are warming up as Plymouth City Council apprentices, five of whom are from City College Plymouth, start getting plans underway as part of the Brathay Challenge to become ‘Apprenticeship Team of the Year'.

Last month eight teams across the country were announced by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock as finalists in the 2013 challenge after planning, delivering and communicating a community project to help raise the profile of apprenticeships to both young people and businesses.

A team of nine Plymouth City Council apprentices, with the support of other staff, have worked exceptionally hard to compete in the regional heats which saw them design and makeover a section of the Place De Brest garden.

Over the next four weeks the eight teams of finalists will continue to raise the profile of apprentices as well as take part in fundraising activities to support local charities.

Joining up with Jobcentre Plus, Plymouth City Council apprentices are helping to organise a Young Person’s Day being held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Wednesday 29 May. The event will be packed with employers and training providers to offer young people advice on their career options. The team will be selling a range of refreshments to help raise money for their chosen charities.

They will also be arranging a business breakfast in early June to promote the advantages of using apprentices at the workplace and providing opportunities for to support workers gaining vocational qualifications.

The winning team will be announced after all teams battle it out in the ultimate day of challenges, pushing their skills to the limit. This will include a series of tests, logistical challenges and physical competition tests at Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters from 10 to 12 June 2013.

To help them prepare for this they will be taking part in a team building day with the Prince’s Trust, which will include various activities and a sponsored 100ft abseil down Bickleigh Viaduct.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Pete Smith said: “Supporting young people through apprenticeship opportunities should not be underestimated. This year we have launched the 1000 Club, aiming to get 1000 businesses in the city to take provide work opportunities for young people, I really hope this challenge will get more businesses coming forward.

“The challenge has provided an excellent way that young people can use their skills in a project which is both fun and challenging. I would like to wish our team the very best of luck in the finals.”

Julie McLean, Director of Work-based Learning and Schools Partnerships at City College Plymouth said: “We would like to congratulate the Plymouth City Council apprentices on reaching the finals of team of the year. We are pleased to be hosting their adventure activity day on Dartmoor and seeing the team in action.”

All money raised during the challenge will be donated to the Prince’s Trust, Royal Marine Charitable Trust Fund and Brathay. To support the team with making a donation visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PlymouthBrathayChallenge.

For more information about the 1000 club visit 1000club.co.uk.