Training opportunities for local youngsters.

Out-of-work young people are being encouraged to get involved with a unique programme aimed at getting them on the road to an apprenticeship.

Black Country training provider BCTG has been awarded a contract to run the course, which is targeting around 100 young people aged 16 to 25 years who live in the Black Country and Birmingham.

Get Involved is a series of free workshops and mentoring sessions running until December and is aimed at those students who are not involved in any type of education, employment or training.

As part of the scheme, funded by the European Social Fund, everyone who signs up will be taken to the Skills Show, organised by World Skills UK, held at Birmingham’s NEC in November as well as having the chance to undertake work experience in the apprenticeship of their choice.

The show will give young people a chance to have a go at a huge range of careers, from engineering and construction to care and beauty, as well as get expert advice on what steps to take next.

Jo Robb, from BCTG, said: “We are one of only two training providers in the England running this course. It is all about one-to-one mentoring, practical workshops and invaluable support to help get young people into good careers.

“We have already had a lot of interest from all kinds of people from those who have either done their A levels but are still struggling to find work to those who have several apprenticeships in mind but can’t decide, to those young people who have just left school.”

The course, which is free, runs until December and is based at BCTG in Taylors Lane, Oldbury. To find out more people can call 0121 544 6455 or email [email protected]