Launched in June, the Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship Scheme is designed to enhance the work of companies in the industry and to develop promising, committed young people.

This initiative has received wide support from from the industry and the previous and current governments. Skillset, who were centrally involved in developing the scheme, are working with Cirencester College as part of a pilot scheme in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The other two pilots are running in London and Manchester.

Some key aspects of the scheme:

• A number of very good young people are now considering this route rather than university and the debt which accompanies a degree.

• Employers specify the areas of skill which they need from the employee

• The College uses current industry practitioners to provide training within those specific areas

• The College will be able to offer a short list of candidates with relevant skills and proven commitment

• Employers select the candidate at interview or decide none is suitable

• Apprentices are employed by the company and paid at least minimum wage.

• Appenticeships are usually 18 months long but in some cases apprentices can take several, shorter placements in two or three companies

• The ‘framework’ includes a unit on working practices, specific skills training and units where work for the company is assessed.
  
  For more information, please click here.
  and more generally, the National Apprenticeship Service
  
  As a GMG member you are invited to participate in this pilot in two ways.
  Either you can express an interest in possibly taking an apprentice in the future and/or we would welcome your input in shaping the apprenticeship so that it will best meet the needs of companies in our area.
  
  If you would like to be involved with the scheme, please email Andy Freedman before 1st October 2011.