Apprentices from leading public services provider Amey are giving a makeover to their local Youth Hostel from 15 – 17 March to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (14 – 18 March).
The event highlights the positive impact of the apprentices’ longer-term volunteering to achieve their Gold DofE Award, which involves them giving their time to local communities week in, week out, taking part in activities such as working in charity shops and coaching children’s sports teams. Amey enables each of its apprentices to do their DofE as part of its rounded apprenticeship programme.
During the week, the apprentices will be undertaking various tasks for YHA including painting the interiors of Youth Hostels and completing a number of other maintenance tasks. In total, 11 hostels throughout the UK will benefit from Amey apprentice makeovers during Scottish and National Apprenticeship Weeks.
Chief Executive of Amey Mel Ewell said: “We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme and the work we do to support both the professional and personal development of young people. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award allows our apprentices to gain crucial teamwork and leadership skills that serve them throughout their career. I am delighted that our apprentices are able to offer their support to the YHA this National Apprenticeship Week.”
Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the DofE, said: “As a partner of the DofE Charity for 14 years, Amey has long supported the development of young people and local communities. Through the Volunteering section of their DofE programmes apprentices give back to others whilst developing valuable skills and attributes for both life and work.
“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Amey, YHA and SYHA on such a worthwhile project that will have far-reaching benefits within local communities and the apprentices’ own personal and professional development.”
Caroline White, CEO of YHA (England and Wales) said:
“We know, from our own research, that one of the barriers to youth volunteering includes a lack of time, so it is especially pleasing to see Amey making it possible for their apprentices to volunteer with us during National Apprenticeship Week. Volunteering has a big impact on personal confidence and provides a unique opportunity for young people to further develop the skills and attitudes they need to interact effectively with others in the workplace.
“The hard work and volunteered time from Amey apprentices will also make a big difference to YHA and people that stay with us each year. Volunteers enable us to continue to operate sustainably enabling us to continue to provide life enhancing experiences for thousands of young people and their families every year.”
You can find out more about our apprenticeship scheme here.