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Scheme for children in care
Thursday August 28th 2008. Posted: 16:18
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Openreach will offer 12 placements a year
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BT has launched a new initiative to provide a series of work placements in Wales for children in local authority care.
It follows a successful pilot scheme in Swansea where three children spent two weeks finding out more about the kind of work Openreach engineers are involved with day to day - from climbing poles to fixing phones in homes and on business premises. The initiative is being supported by the Openreach Academy for the training and development of apprentices and is the culmination of discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure children in care do not miss out on valuable work experience opportunities and apprenticeships that may follow. Around 12 work placements a year with Openreach will be offered throughout Wales via social services and in conjunction with local schools. BT director for Wales Ann Beynon said the scheme was the first of its kind in the UK. “The pilot in Swansea was a great success and left us in no doubt that this initiative should be rolled out throughout Wales, and it will start later this year,” she added. “Our support for the Welsh Assembly Government’s agenda will provide a valuable opportunity for these vulnerable children, giving them an insight into the world of work, raising their aspirations and hopefully encouraging some to apply for apprenticeships in Openreach and BT.” Gwenda Thomas, deputy minister for social services, said: “If we are to improve the life chances of young people in care, we need to ensure they leave care with the right skills and qualifications. “One way of achieving this is to offer them work-related placements and apprenticeships. I hope the BT initiative spurs other organisations to develop similar schemes in Wales.”
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Last updated:
15:56