SCHOOL leavers, jobseekers and people looking for a fresh start may wish to attend the next East Hampshire Community Forum public meeting - which will be held in Whitehill - to find out about becoming an apprentice.

The East Hampshire District Council meeting, on Tuesday, October 25, will outline a variety of apprenticeship schemes and demonstrate how these can help a young person to get their foot on the ladder of a new career.

District council leader Ferris Cowper will explain the council’s own scheme which supplements an apprentice’s income and pays towards training and travel costs. “Our apprenticeship scheme has been running for three years now and we have already helped to get more than 30 young people into employment with local firms,” he said.

“Apprenticeships help everyone. The apprentice can gain experience and earn wages on the job while also attending a college to work toward valuable qualifications.

“Meanwhile, their employer has a chance to train a keen, young employee in the detail of the job and embed them in the culture of the organisation.

“Apprenticeships give you the best of both worlds.”

Martyn Kiddey, managing director of Pinetree Enterprises Ltd, in Blacknest, and an apprenticeship ambassador, will attend the meeting to offer a businessman’s point of view.

He said: “Pinetree Enterprises and its sister company Shop Display Systems have directly benefited from the district council’s fantastic apprenticeship scheme.

“As well as financial support, there is advice to overcome the barriers that can prevent companies from taking on apprentices. This has been a real incentive to employers to invest in apprenticeships that in turn bring ongoing benefits to the company.

“I would encourage any local businesses interested in taking on an apprentice to come along and find out how it can be done.”

Training and employment providers will also attend the event to talk to visitors, from 5.30pm and again after the meeting, about the kind of opportunities on offer.

The Community Forum for Whitehill and Bordon, Headley, Lindford, Greatham, Liphook and Grayshott will be held at Whitehill village hall, on Sutton Field, Whitehill, at 6.30pm on October 25.