Barchester showcase youth opportunities with Deputy PM before apprenticeship week

Barchester was invited to attend a speech hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who yesterday set out what the government is doing to improve education, training and job opportunities for young people aged 16 to 24 in Southfields.

Paul Middleton, Head of vocational qualifications at Barchester Healthcare, attended the career event along with three young people who are currently on the company's apprenticeship scheme. Keri Gregory, 20, is a care apprentice at Queens Court in Wimbledon, Bobby Walker, 19, has just completed his Level 2 Care Apprenticeship at Windmill Manor in Oxted and is keen to move onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship and Sarah Williams, 19, is an administration apprentice within Barchester’s Learning and Development team.

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the need for better careers advice in schools, the addition of personalised support through the JobCentre for unemployed 16 to 18 year olds and the necessity for those in that age group to have GCSE maths and English at grade C level before being able to claim job seekers allowance.

Paul Middleton, said: "It's wonderful to be asked to attend events like these and to let our apprentices share their experiences with their peer group. Many young people misunderstand what a job in care involves and are often surprised when they see people of the same age singing the praises about working with older people."

Attendees were also invited to take part in a Q&A session with the Deputy Prime Minister where young people could ask questions. Barchester also has a stand at the career fair where apprentices spoke to attendees about the benefits of working in the care sector.