A JOINT managing director of a Coventry-based training provider has told The Observer there’s more opportunity for young people than ever before amid students receiving their exam results.
Fleur Sexton has a firm belief in the value of apprenticeships and work experience, something which her company – PET-Xi – provides to people of all ages on a daily basis.
With thousands of students receiving their A Level results today, Fleur has advised youngsters not to panic and insists that employers are looking for work experience on a CV more than ever before.
Fleur’s comment comes just six months after PET-Xi launched its own apprenticeship scheme which is being offered to people aged between 16 and 24.
The apprenticeship scheme will deliver the course and accreditation for a Level Two and Level Three Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools.
Fleur said she has a heart-felt belief in the value of traineeships and apprentices and stated that both are vital in helping employers develop and raise standards.
She added: “Some people are more suited for university, however others prefer practical application and ‘earning while they’re learning’.
“By going to university people are learning theoretically and then applying later on in life – however all people are different and some prefer to apply their skills straight away.”
PET-Xi has been working with people in Coventry since 1995 to deliver intensive intervention to help young people succeed in exams and provide successful futures.
The company is now helping people of all ages succeed on a course that suits them – and Fleur said there’s more apprenticeship courses available now than ever before.
She said: “It’s a really exciting time for apprenticeships and the government has invested heavily in them.
“Apprenticeships are available in a range of different topics from project management to marketing, care, leadership and hairdressing.
“Every young person has the chance and opportunity to succeed, you don’t necessarily have to follow a path as before – there’s so much opportunity out there.”
Despite a record number of A-Level students achieving UK university places this year, Fleur’s advice to those who didn’t make the cut is to not panic and understand that whatever happens there are always options out there.
She added: “If university is what you want to do then there’s clearing, if university isn’t for you then we have lot’s of experienced people who are available to talk about apprenticeships and how to succeed through the applied way of learning.
“Employers love experience and more companies are now taking on apprentices and trainees.
“I’m a huge fan of apprenticeships, everyone can benefit from them – you earn while you learn and there’s no debt once you finish.
“More people are going down the apprenticeship route, they can open so many doors and there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”
