Call to take on more apprentices in Brighton and Hove (From The Argus)
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Call to take on more apprentices in Brighton and Hove
8:00pm Sunday 5th February 2012 in News By John Keenan, business editor
The principal of a college has called on business leaders to take on more apprentices to solve the youth employment crisis.
Phil Frier, the principal and chief executive of City College Brighton and Hove, told an audience of more than 200 business owners at American Express Community Stadium that apprenticeships were crucial for getting young people into work.
He said that 20 per cent of 16-24-year-olds in the area are out of work.
He praised the initiative of Martin Perry, the chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion and a former chair of governors at the college, in forging links with the college and creating jobs.
Mr Perry said that since it opened last year the stadium has taken on 1,027 people, of whom 94 per cent live locally.
He said that the planned expansion of the stadium and a new training ground off the A27 at Lancing would be worth £31 million to the local economy.
The new training facilities and extra seats will provide the full-time equivalent of 200 jobs, he said.
Mr Frier said: “The partnership between City College and the Amex started in 2005. Martin Perry had a dream that he would bring City College into the stadium.
"Now, 60 students from the college work for Azure, the catering team at the stadium.”
Mr Perry said: “We do not give up. That is a core value of Brighton and Hove Albion.
“But we have had a lot of support from people who believe in our values and City College has always been with us.
"The Amex provides a real live environment for students to train in.
“They have to cope with everything from lunchtimes in the East Stand Brasseries and matchday catering to large conferences.”
