Record numbers find their way to work

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Jun 2003

The Mayor of Richmond is to host a celebration for the largest ever graduation class in the boroughs way to work scheme on Thursday evening June 26 in York House. Over 100 young people have achieved modern apprentices in the last year while in full time jobs – 30 of these while working for the council.

Local Lib Dem MP Dr Vincent Cable will be special guest on the evening and will be invited by the Mayor to present prizes to the young people.

Councillor Serge Lourie, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council said; "I am delighted that over 100 young people in the borough have achieved modern apprentices in the last year while in full time jobs. It is particularly impressive that 30 of these were achieved by people working for the council"

Commenting on the award the Mayor of Richmond Cllr Nicola Urquhart said: "I am delighted at the achievement of so many of our young people this year in achieving modern apprenticeships from the way to work programme. The modern work place is an increasingly competitive and demanding environment.

Qualifications like this one that are grounded in experience as well as learning are essential. They provide a start on the career ladder for many young people.

"I am happy also that the local MP Vincent Cable has accepted our invitation to present the awards. It is very good to have his support for this important programme. Guests on the evening who join Dr Cable and myself will enjoy, wine, canapés and a jazz band. It promises to be a good evening and I am looking forward to it."

Way to Work is a not-for-profit organisation that recruits young people into good jobs and provides Modern Apprenticeship training.

It is attached to the Education, Arts and Leisure department of Richmond Council and is funded by the Learning and Skills Council. It has been growing steadily since its inception in 1991 and has approximately 200 16-19 year olds working and training at any one time. Way to Work was also nominated for an award at the Local Business Awards 2003.

Date: Thursday 26th June 2003. Time: from 6pm. Place: The Terrace Room, York House, Twickenham. Contact: Sam Casey, Marketing Co-ordinator Way to Work. 020 8891 1966 s.casey@richmond.gov.uk