Norwich North MP Chloe Smith visited Norse Commercial Services on Friday 31st May to talk to the team of apprentices about their experience of learning and aiming for a qualification whilst working.

In January of this year, Chloe founded and launched the ‘Norwich For Jobs’ Campaign which is seeking to halve youth unemployment in Norwich in two years. The Campaign is seeking to highlight that various routes available to young people into employment, including apprenticeships. Chloe visited Norse, an employer that has pledged its support to the campaign, in her capacity as Chair of the ‘Norwich For Jobs’ campaign to meet with and discuss the successful apprenticeship campaign that Norse currently runs in order to encourage other employers to consider offering similar apprenticeship programmes.

During her one and a half hour visit, Chloe also took part in a roundtable discussion with the team and senior members of Norse’s human resources and training divisions, about the value of apprenticeships and about the Norse initiative that will see over 100 apprentices on the company scheme during 2013.

Norse already commits over £880k a year to apprenticeships across its three operating companies, Norse Commercial Services, NPS and Norsecare, a figure match-funded by Norfolk County council.

“In 2011 Norse Commercial Services implemented a policy of turning entry-level jobs into apprenticeships,” commented Norse Human Resources Director Tricia Fuller. “We pay them a worthwhile salary that takes them out of the benefits system, provide them with the opportunity to do real work whilst getting accredited to NVQ levels 2 or 3 in their apprenticeship year.”

“We value all jobs the same at the apprenticeship stage, removing any stigma potentially attached to lower paid roles and making all vacancies equally attractive in terms of remuneration,” Fuller added.

Chloe Smith commented, “I really enjoyed visiting Norse again and was interested to learn more about their successful apprenticeship programme, which puts apprentices at the heart of the business. Their acknowledgement of the value that young people can offer to employers is very important and I would encourage other employers to consider offering apprenticeship places.”

“Norse’s inclusion of those ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ (NEETs), those with learning difficulties and care leavers is great. It is encouraging that a large employer like Norse helps these young people achieve their potential.”

Linda Savage, Head of Learning and Development at the company said, “At the end of their apprenticeship with Norse, a number will be offered permanent positions within the Norse Group, but everyone that completes the course will have a very portable qualification, putting them in a far better position to get a job”

Nineteen year old Hannah Codling-Thomas has been an apprentice with Norse since January 2013. “My position is Group Support Services Administrator, which means that I support three different functions: environmental, customer services and procurement. Supporting three different functions with three different managers keeps me on my toes, but I enjoy the variation and like a challenge.” “Getting an apprenticeship to me feels like I am able to work, earn and learn at the same time. It feels like I have learnt the skills to do so much more – not just for work but also for myself.”

Another apprentice, Jay Trivedi, also started in January this year, in the sales support team: “I believe that being on an apprenticeship opens up doors for my future, gives me the chance to network with other people, to build my confidence and to gain more knowledge in the company.”

“The skills I am picking up from my apprenticeship have already helped me with external tasks, and I feel like I am learning something every day, which I know I will help me in the future.”

The Norse team of nine apprentices has won through to the finals of the national ‘Brathay Challenge’, aimed at finding the ‘Apprentice Team of the year’.

Having impressed the judges with their regional heat entry, which included taking part in community projects and promoting the value of apprenticeships to both potential apprentices and employers, the team is currently completing further fundraising and awareness raising activity. The Challenge culminates in a series of team building tests, logistical challenges and physical competition against seven other teams at Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters from 10th to 12th June 2013.

Co.mmunicate

Members can have their news posted here.

To include your latest news please use the contact form to get in touch and we'll upload it for you.

Gold and Strategic Partners