Picture of young people at the CAI Jobsfair event in the City Chambers
The Commonwealth Apprentice Initiative (CAI) was developed by the Council to assist suitably qualified school leavers gain an apprenticeship in a wide variety of industries. Whilst the council and its arms-length external organisations, like City Building, provide hundreds of places for apprentices, we need businesses, like you to provide additional places.
Benefits to Your Business
We believe that apprenticeships play a central role in growing skills in Glasgow, and no matter how large or small the business, apprenticeships provide the opportunity to add to the skilled workforce that can help make your business successful. In addition we offer:
- Financial Assistance
- Free recruitment service including:
- Access to a job ready pool of young people to select from
- Low or no recruitment costs
- Help with recruitment
- Ongoing support and aftercare
Financial Assistance
The Council may be able to provide you with up to £8000 towards the costs of every new or additional apprentice you can take as part of this scheme. This will be paid to you, the employer, and is in addition to the training contribution from Skills Development Scotland.
Apprenticeship Disciplines
Due to the current economic climate some sectors such as construction which offer more traditional apprenticeships like joiners and electricians may be restricted. We expect the majority of apprenticeships to be areas such as business administration, childcare, customer service, retail, hospitality, hairdressing, IT and engineering. However this list is not exhaustive and we would be happy to explore all new and additional opportunities.
Entry Criteria
Young people are not guaranteed any particular apprenticeship and in order to qualify, young people must:
- Reside within the Glasgow boundary area or attend school in the City
- Have the ability to pass any relevant selection tests
- Have the capability to complete other entry requirements
- Be skilled to progress through an interview process.
There is no assurance candidates will secure a permanent post at the end of their training period.
Qualifications
As well as learning new skills that will set them up for life, all successful candidates will work towards an accredited vocational award. The length and level of study varies dependant on the occupational area and will range from 2 -4 years. Full details of the qualification will be specified in the training agreement, together with the support which will be offered to help them achieve their training goals, and also the commitment to training that will be expected of them:
Testimonials
- “When I was approached by CAI, I listened with interest but with some scepticism, thinking there had to be a catch. However I soon realised that this scheme was a genuine plan to assist today’s young people enter into employment with real long term gains all round. At Allied Vehicles we embrace skills training and are especially keen to develop young people within the motor industry. We already had apprentices but this opportunity seemed too good to miss. We are delighted to be getting help financially while both our apprentices carve out a career in the Motor Industry. A great initiative without too much paperwork.” Carol Meldrum, Allied Vehicles
- “We cuirrently have two modern apprentices through the CAI which have proved to be a huge success. Both candidates are now settled in and progressing exceptionally well and ion their way to achieving an SVQ level 3 in Business Administration. We were very impressed by the high standard of candidates referred to us and by how easy and smooth they made the recruitment process. This is something which we would definitely consider in the future.” Susan Knox, Bellcom
Useful Links:
Contacts
For further information or advice please contact:
Commonwealth Apprenticeship Team
Development & Regeneration Services
Exchange House
229 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1QU
Phone: 0141 287 7282
Email: apprentices@glasgow.gov.uk