Shropshire pupils face critical decision on future

And that means that apprenticeships could play a central role in the future of many of our county's young people, according to one of the key partners in the Ladder for Shropshire campaign.

Clair Schafer, chairman of the Marches Skills Provider Network, said the next move for young people – who will receive their GCSE results this week – was a critical decision. "They need to ensure that the route chosen will give the best possible start on their future careers," she said.

The Ladder for Shropshire is an apprenticeship scheme.

And whether you are a business looking at taking on an apprentice or a young person looking for work, there are plenty of benefits to being part of getting involved. We want companies – large, medium and small – to take on apprentices and help them onto the job ladder.

An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes on and off-the-job training. For every apprentice taken, employers may be eligible for a Government grant of £1,500.

More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.

• For full details visit ladderforshropshire.co.uk For more information call 0330 999 8441 or 0800 999 8441.

• You can also email ladder@apprentice-providers.co.uk or fill out the online contact form here

"Apprenticeships increased at record rates in 2013/14 and are continuing to do so and it's not hard to see why. They offer ambitious young people unrivalled career prospects and personal development.

"Employers think that qualified apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications and 90 per cent of apprentices continue in permanent employment with 25 per cent of them achieving promotion within 12 months."

The Ladder for Shropshire campaign was established to help create apprenticeships in the county, and to help find the right youngsters to fill those roles.

So far, the campaign has delivered more than 70 roles, with an increasing number of young people entering the world of work by stepping on to the ladder. There are now apprenticeships available in 1,500 roles starting at intermediate, level 2, right through to higher and degree apprenticeships.

Ms Schafer added: "With 150 apprenticeship vacancies available each week in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, there are great opportunities for young people to secure apprenticeships but they have to convince the employer that they will be right for the job."

Some young people receiving their results now and deciding on their next steps may need some support to prepare for an apprenticeship. In this case a traineeship offers up to six months of training and work experience with particular support for work preparation, maths and English.

Top hints for perfect interview:

The Marches Skills Provider Network, a key partner in the Ladder for Shropshire, has revealed its top hints and tips for the perfect interview.

What not to do . . .

• Leaving your phone on – make sure it is off at all times.

• Using "slang" or inappropriate language – it wouldn’t sound good in front of clients.

• Fidgeting or losing concentration – it’s the little things that could cost you an opportunity.

• Leaving in a rush – take your time and thank the interviewer for their time.

What to do . . .

• Do your research – find out everything you can about the company.

• Manage your social media presence – make sure there’s nothing inappropriate on your social media pages which could count against you.

• Speak clearly – take your time and answer each question with confidence.

• Be presentable – at the end of the day you will be representing their company, so it’s important you look the part.

• Be enthusiastic – body language is extremely important, you want to show them how much you want the job.

• Think of questions – you know you will be asked “do you have any questions for us?” so be prepared.