Young people in Mansfield and Ashfield have an opportunity to secure an apprenticeship during the summer holidays while being paid to gain employability skills.

Vision Apprentices – the recruitment arm of West Nottinghamshire College – is set to repeat its pre-employment programme, the ‘Summer Job Shop’, in partnership with Mansfield District Council and Ashfield District Council.

There are 36 places up for grabs to young people living in the districts and seeking an apprenticeship in customer services and business administration at the councils.

The programme, now in its fourth year, consists of workshops and activities to prepare them for employment, along with help planning their careers. Support includes self-motivation workshops, help creating a professional CV, mock interviews and a chance to apply for 12 apprenticeship vacancies at both councils.

There will also be work experience sessions within the council departments that are looking to recruit apprentices and team-building activities designed to improve team-working, confidence and communication skills and the opportunity to pose questions to employers at the councils.

The two-week programme starts on Monday, 14th July and runs for two-and-a-half days a week over the fortnight. Workshops and activities take place at Mansfield Civic Centre and West Nottinghamshire College’s Ashfield campus.

Participants who commit 100% attendance will be paid £20 per week – awarded to each participant at a celebration event which will take place at West Nottinghamshire College’s Derby Road campus on Friday, 25th July.

Vision Apprentices business training consultant Lynett Kurkowski said: “After the success of our previous summer job shop projects, we’re looking forward to offering yet more opportunities, employability skills and that all important self-confidence to young people both in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas.

“There’s no better time than during the school holidays to explore your options and discover more about apprenticeships and learn some all-important skills in helping them to be successful at interview.”

People interested in applying for a place on the Summer Job Shop should contact Steph Davis on 01623 627191 ext 8784. The closing date for applications is Sunday, 22nd June.