Leading infrastructure services provider Amey pledged to double its intake of apprentices at an event aimed at tackling youth unemployment, attended by HRH The Earl of Wessex, Lord Digby Jones, Local and Central Government, HR directors and several national businesses.
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey, told guests visiting the company headquarters in Oxford that he plans to increase the number of apprentices from 120 to more than 200 by the end of the year.
Recent figures show youth unemployment has now topped 1 million.
It comes after Amey launched its Apprenticeship Academy at Network Rail’s training centre in Walsall.
The complex features a realistic mock rail environment where employees can practise practical engineering techniques or shadow experienced rail professionals.
Amey operates an Apprenticeship Academy, which offers young people the opportunity to study at local colleges and gain professional qualifications while carrying out paid work for two to three years.
It is one of only seven companies in the UK which offers young people the chance to undertake a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of its required training. Amey has been a DofE Gold Partner since 2008, but has been involved with the charity for over 10 years.
Mel Ewell said: “With youth unemployment at record levels of over 1 million, as a responsible employer, Amey is doing everything it can to help young people get through what is a very challenging jobs market.
“Amey is proud to be extending its apprenticeship scheme with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which will help fulfil not only the professional potential, but also the personal development of 100 more young engineers at a time when industry is facing a skills shortage.”
Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said:
“Our charity has bold ambitions to double the number of young people from all walks of life benefitting from their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and this innovative partnership with Amey is a real step towards that goal.
“It is a tough time to be a young person in the UK with competition for jobs and training at an all-time high.
“We know that the DofE develops the skills young people need to get into work, and we are delighted that Amey has committed to helping young people improve their life chances across the UK through the DofE.”
Lord Digby Jones, UK business ambassador, added:
“Growing an economy comes down to people being skilled and the ability to maximise talent, and if there is one thing the DofE does for young people it allows them to feel they can achieve.”
HRH The Earl of Wessex said:
“The current environment is very challenging for young people, so it’s important they try to make themselves more attractive to employers.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is highly valued by business because they know it helps to develop more rounded individuals.”
