Greater Manchester Could See University-Style Accommodation for Apprentices
Greater Manchester, UK - Apprentices in Greater Manchester could soon experience a lifestyle akin to university students, with plans for dedicated "halls of residence" being backed by Mayor Andy Burnham. The initiative aims to create an "equal alternative" to university and offer young people pursuing technical education the same opportunities for independence and social development.
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Burnham, who pledged to pilot the "halls of apprentice" concept in his election manifesto last year, believes that parity between academic and technical education means offering equal opportunities for both paths. Plans for a scheme, dubbed "Our House," are actively being developed.
Co-operatives UK is spearheading the project, conducting surveys and focus groups with thousands of young people across the UK, with particular attention paid to Greater Manchester. The organisation is gathering data to assess demand and tailor the accommodation concept to the needs of apprentices, before presenting their findings to potential employers and stakeholders interested in participating.
While still in its early stages, the project envisions providing living accommodation for young people relocating within the Greater Manchester region (and potentially beyond) to take up apprenticeship opportunities. Burnham's manifesto argued that all young people should have the opportunity to live independently at 18, regardless of their chosen career path. The "halls of apprentice" would aim to address this need and remove potential barriers to apprenticeships for those needing to move for work.
Co-operatives UK has even grander ambitions. If the scheme proves successful, they hope to expand the concept nationally, enabling young people to pursue apprenticeship opportunities anywhere in the country.
The idea is currently being tested with young people across the UK to gauge demand. A roundtable discussion hosted by the Co-operative Bank is scheduled for May, where specific details of the scheme will be discussed. The number of apprentices who will have the opportunity to participate and which industries will be prioritised are still under consideration, with "all possibilities" currently being explored.
The "Halls of Apprentice" initiative represents a significant step towards recognising and supporting the vital role of apprenticeships in the UK economy and ensuring young people have equal opportunities regardless of their educational choices.
Co-operatives UK is spearheading the project, conducting surveys and focus groups with thousands of young people across the UK, with particular attention paid to Greater Manchester. The organisation is gathering data to assess demand and tailor the accommodation concept to the needs of apprentices, before presenting their findings to potential employers and stakeholders interested in participating.
While still in its early stages, the project envisions providing living accommodation for young people relocating within the Greater Manchester region (and potentially beyond) to take up apprenticeship opportunities. Burnham's manifesto argued that all young people should have the opportunity to live independently at 18, regardless of their chosen career path. The "halls of apprentice" would aim to address this need and remove potential barriers to apprenticeships for those needing to move for work.
Co-operatives UK has even grander ambitions. If the scheme proves successful, they hope to expand the concept nationally, enabling young people to pursue apprenticeship opportunities anywhere in the country.
The idea is currently being tested with young people across the UK to gauge demand. A roundtable discussion hosted by the Co-operative Bank is scheduled for May, where specific details of the scheme will be discussed. The number of apprentices who will have the opportunity to participate and which industries will be prioritised are still under consideration, with "all possibilities" currently being explored.
The "Halls of Apprentice" initiative represents a significant step towards recognising and supporting the vital role of apprenticeships in the UK economy and ensuring young people have equal opportunities regardless of their educational choices.
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