BT is on the lookout for 15 people wanting to kick start their careers with a seven week traineeship at its distribution centre in Northallerton.
Designed for young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training, the BT traineeship offers the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications in work skills and business administration.
Trainees also learn practical work skills such as CV writing, interview techniques and confidence building, as well as completing a mix of work experience and job shadowing. They can even brush up on their maths and English.
After graduating they will also get help and support to find either a job or further training.
The next traineeship in Northallerton starts on January 24, 2017 and will be held at the BT distribution centre on Darlington Road.
Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “BT traineeships give local, young people first-hand experience of the world of work, with more than half of those who have completed previous courses going on to find employment or returning to education.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to reinvigorate their confidence, motivation and enthusiasm as well as gaining practical skills and a recognised qualification.
“This won’t be the last opportunity to join a BT traineeship in North Yorkshire so even if you can’t attend this particular course I’d encourage you to register your interest to ensure you don’t miss out.”
Two week work placements, in a variety of roles across the UK, are also available for those unable to commit to a full seven week traineeship.
Although a work placement does not carry a formal qualification, attendees are given a certificate showing their attendance and achievements to demonstrate their commitment to prospective employers.
Ryan Harrison, now a BT customer service advisor at BT’s Doncaster contact centre, completed his traineeship in July last year.
Twenty- one-year-old Ryan, who lives in Doncaster, said: “During my traineeship I covered various topics and completed exercises that helped me build my confidence and develop new skills.
I worked on my CV, interviews skills and learnt how to present myself to potential employers.
Most importantly I gained hands-on experience spending time ‘on the job’, shadowing and working alongside BT staff.
“I would highly recommend the traineeship to anyone; it is a great experience and great opportunity to get you into work.”
BT has been running the BT Traineeship since 2014 and to date more than 1,700 young people from around the UK have joined the programme.
The traineeship develops transferrable skills needed to find and start work, whether with BT or another company. After graduating from the programme, the young people get a minimum of 12 weeks support from BT to help them find a job or training.
The BT Traineeship is part of the BT Work Ready programme which is a series of initiatives provided to help young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, gain employment skills and get them ready for work.
It’s part of BT’s commitment as a founding partner in the Movement to Work coalition of employers.**