School sets sail on apprenticeships

St John Fisher Catholic High School in Dewsbury has taken part in the Entice project, which aims to help pupils get onto apprenticeships with local firms.

A Reporter Series special feature last week looked at the rising popularity of apprenticeships in North Kirklees, and St John Fisher has become one of the first schools in our area to take part in the project, which teams up young people with work placements that suit them.

“We’ve been impressed with the scheme at Shelley College and want to capitalise on the momentum”, said Father Michael Hall, deputy head of St John Fisher. “We have a number of initiatives at the school and the Entice project could be a good fit with our careers academy.

“We understand that pupils must make the most of all opportunities available to them and this includes access to immediate work environments as well as encouraging continuing education.”

He believes that apprenticeships offer a viable option to those not wanting to go to university.

He said: “We know that not all students wish to continue in further and higher education and that university does not appeal to all – providing a route to apprenticeships gives students a real alternative to forge a sustainable career.”

The school became a Business and Health and Social Care Academy in 2009.

For more information on the Entice project, or to find out more about how your school can get involved, visit www.enticeproject.co.uk.