1. St Helens Chamber ‘Work Ready – Chamber Approved’ Kath Boullen Chief Executive

2. Why did we get involved • Chamber of Commerce with 1,100 Members
• SFA and EFA contracts
• 400 Apprentices
• Business Feedback
- Survey of 100
- Continuous Feedback
St Helens Council support

3. What were businesses saying
• Young people not prepared for interview/work - don’t turn up - no research on company - poor presentation/interview skills - poor understanding of what employers expect - they wanted us as their Chamber to sort this out!

4. ‘Work Ready – Chamber Approved’
• A ‘stamp of approval’ only given when we feel they are interviewable/employable • Open Day; Interview; assessment • 3 week commitment (minimum) - Unpaid - Full-time 9–5, 5 days per week - Dress and behave for work

5. Content • Classroom based • Focus on interview and employability
• Level 1 in Employability (ASDAN)
• Health & Safety at Work - Level 1 (Ascentis)
Personal Finance - Level 1 (Ascentis)
Work Experience

6. Follow-Up • Job Matching • ‘Meet the Apprentice’/’Meet the Employer’
• Continued support for as long as it takes
• Work Experience Placements
Functional Skills sessions

7. Results September – January 99 young people
• 44 into an Apprenticeship
• 13 into a job
• 5 into FE/Training
• 9 dropped out
28 ‘Work Ready – Chamber Approved’ and still working with us

8. Lessons Learned
• Businesses create Apprenticeships if we have ‘Work Ready’ young people
• Young people are committed and keen
• They respect and enjoy a real business environment
• They are choosey !
Essential to have good staff to guide them
Highly praised by Ofsted
Young people go on word of mouth

9. “Just thought I would you and tell you how much I’m enjoying my job. I love it and loved it even more on Thursday when I got paid. Thank you for all the help you gave me and I will come back and see you soon” Connor, February 2013