NOF Energy, the Washington-based business development organisation, has recruited a Young Apprentice to help spread the word about career opportunities in the oil, gas and energy-related industries.
15-year-old Paul Smith is a student at Kingsmeadow School, Gateshead and is studying towards a vocational Young Apprenticeship in Business Administration.
He is working with NOF Energy to research new opportunities, such as online social-networking websites, to promote energy sector careers to his peers, which is a unique and innovative approach to targeting the younger generation.
The project is part of a two-year programme where Paul spends half-a-day-a-week working as a member of the team at NOF Energy’s offices at Pennine House, Washington.
Organised in partnership with Access Training Ltd and Kingsmeadow School, the placement is part of the Young Apprenticeship programme, which includes a Technical Certificate in Business Administration, ICT Key Skills and an NVQ qualification.
Access Training Ltd has worked with Kings Meadow School for four years. In addition to arranging and managing placements for students, Access Training delivers the specialist training at its centre in Team Valley.
Paul Smith said: “This project is a good way of understanding where people like me get their information about careers, especially when they are outside of school. The Internet is very popular and I think that websites like Bebo and MySpace could get the message across.
“I have been made to feel really welcome at NOF Energy and it is really interesting being part of a working office. I am sure that the experience I am gaining will be as important as the qualifications I am working towards.”
George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “The Young Apprenticeship programme is an excellent way of giving GCSE students experience of working in a business.
“NOF Energy works closely with a large number of companies that face regular skills issues so we understand how important it is to provide opportunities for young people. Paul is very motivated and will be an asset to any future employer.”
Chris Scott, Training Manager from Access Training Ltd, said: “Young Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s education strategy for 14-19 year-olds and they help instil students with a strong work ethic, which is an attribute, respected by businesses.
“NOF Energy is a good example of an employer that has embraced Young Apprenticeships and Paul is certainly benefitting from the working with the organisation.”
