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CORMAC provides more Cornish youngsters with apprenticeship opportunities

Cormace Apprentices 2014

Six Apprentice Horticulturalists and two Apprentice Countryside Rangers have been recruited by CORMAC Solutions in an attempt to attract more young people into employment.

The eight new apprentices, aged 17 to 27, are currently being enrolled - from February 2014 - to maintain parks, gardens and nurseries throughout Cornwall.

The new trainees will be employed for 18 months and will be given the opportunity to become full time employees if they are successful.

Simon Deacon, Director for CORMAC Solutions said: “Our apprenticeship scheme has run for many years and we have welcomed some wonderful young people with great potential through the doors. Since day one we have been committed to take on young apprentices and it is fantastic that we will be taking on a further eight apprentices. It is essential that we support young people and give them the opportunities they need to find work, by raising aspirations and giving them more choice. The scheme offers people the chance to gain valuable work experience and learn new skills, which again is vitally important to us and future employers”.

Area Manager for CORMAC, Viv Bidgood said: "We have an excellent quality workforce in our Environment teams to deliver important front line services to keep the County of Cornwall safe, clean and green. However, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to enter an operational workforce, as the posts require significant skills and experience, which recent school leavers are unlikely to possess, our apprenticeship scheme offers the benefit of that established experience to young people.

“Becoming an apprentice will not only give young people access to the training, experience and qualifications that are necessary to access long-term employment, it also prepares them for the rigors of a good hard day's work for a wage, an essential framework for young people particularly in the present climate.”

Falmouth Town Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Evans said: "CORMAC provide grounds maintenance services in the parks and gardens managed by the Town Council. The Town Council have decided to sponsor an apprentice to work on our sites. Falmouth is a national award winner for the standard of our horticulture and I am pleased that the Town Council can assist the next generation to maintain that legacy"

Many of CORMAC apprentices have gone on to secure full time careers and will be continuing onto a level 3 apprenticeship. This shows what a real difference the scheme is making, giving young people a step onto the career ladder – showing we can make a difference in Cornwall for our young people.