South London Business apprenticeship scheme backed by Duke of York

A NEW group aimed at boosting opportunities for apprenticeships has been backed by the Duke of York.

And the Duke took time at the launch of the Confederation of Apprenticeship Training Agencies last week to chat to Mollie Beadle, 17, from Croydon about her experiences as an apprentice.

The Duke of York chats to Susan Fowkes, Lifeline's South London Centre manager (left) and Lifeline apprentices Shauni Nannery and Mollie Beadle

Mollie successfully joined the Apprenticeship Training Agency run by Croydon-based business support organisation South London Business.

She was found an apprenticeship with Lifeline, a charity with offices in Dingwall Road, Croydon, which gives employment advice and guidance to people of all ages.

After completing a nine-month business administration apprenticeship, she now works as a centre administrator for the charity.

Mollie said: "I have learnt a lot. My organisation skills are really good and my confidence answering phones has improved."

The confederation is chaired by Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business, who said: "Youth unemployment is the highest it has been for 16 years and is expected to rise."

Apprentice training agencies work by recruiting apprentices for businesses, directly employing the young person and offering accredited training.