College highlights growing disconnect between young people and jobs

An ambitious campaign launched by South Devon College with the aim of securing 100 apprenticeship commitments from employers across the region, insists that apprenticeships change lives.

The initiative, called 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days, cites compelling cases where young people have received a massive career boost by being taken on as an apprentice.

Bryony Eccles says she’s closer to fulfilling her lifelong ambition of being a paediatric nurse thanks to studying in an apprenticeship. Bryony was working as a healthcare assistant at Torbay Hospital on the children’s ward. 

She said: “I loved my job but as I gained experience and my own children became less dependent on me, I felt the time was right to look at furthering my knowledge and developing my career. 

“I decided to take the plunge and take a step towards my lifelong ambition to become a paediatric nurse. With the amazing support from my colleagues and family, I secured a place on the assistant practitioner course at University Centre South Devon. 

“The tutors and facilities at the university are phenomenal – we completed hands-on dissections in the labs, practical sessions and wellness days. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity and would recommend the apprenticeship programme to others.” 

Bryony is now expanding her career and qualifications further by undertaking a BSc in nursing at the University of Plymouth. 

However, Bryony is one of the lucky ones. South Devon College is now warning that the region is facing a growing disconnect between the number of young people keen to work and the number of employers willing to hire them. It’s believed a combination of economic uncertainty, misinformation and rising business costs is contributing to the issue. 

Laurence Frewin, principal and chief executive of South Devon College, said: “We have hundreds of young people who want to start work today. What we do not have are enough employers coming forward offering these young people an apprenticeship. 

“Too many businesses are basing decisions on myths, particularly about the cost of hiring an apprentice, and it is holding young people back.” 

Students at University Centre South Devon have access to cutting-edge facilities, including a quarter of a million-pound, state-of-the art healthcare simulation suite. It includes a four-bed ward with full ‘Nursing Anne’ simulation mannequins. It was designed to simulate a realistic ward environment which students are likely to encounter in the workplace. 

University Centre South Devon offers a range of health higher education programme apprenticeships which have been designed to provide students with a direct route to a range of high-demand roles, including healthcare assistant practitioner and healthcare science (audiology). 

South Devon College has a continuing alliance with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, to offer seamless and supported progression from education into the local health and social care workforce, has proved so successful it’s being continued for another two years. 

The aim of the partnership is for both organisations to work collaboratively to deliver a career ‘road-map’ providing clear career opportunities in clinical, support and enabling roles within the local health and social care sector. The two bodies will design and deliver curriculum together and there will be increased work placements and apprenticeships available.   

Suzy Hubbard, apprenticeship lead at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, says apprenticeships benefit businesses enormously. 

She says: “Apprentice employees are inspired by learning and very enthusiastic about their apprenticeship training and education. These factors increase productivity and skills within the workforce, which supports a long-term sustainable business plan.

“Employers also have a social responsibility to support more apprenticeships within their region, which boosts the local economy as well as promoting social mobility.   

“By supporting apprenticeships within an organisation, retention amongst employees increases significantly. Apprentices are loyal employees, often remaining with an employer long-term. Nurturing this talent pipeline of employees is seen as a positive characteristic of any employer, often enhancing the organisation’s reputation.”