Chartered Surveyors Training Trust supports the 200 in 100 Apprenticeship Challenge campaign1st July 2012

The Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) has welcomed the 200 in 100 Apprenticeship Challenge campaign launched by the Birmingham Post targeting local businesses and encouraging them to take apprentices on board.

It is promising to see such commitment in the battle to fight youth unemployment, especially at a time when the Government offers financial incentives to companies that create apprenticeships.

Christina Hirst, Chief Executive of CSTT, said: "Apprenticeships are key to the trainee programme at the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust, an independent charity that supports young people from 16 to 24 years of age to pursue a career in the property surveying industry across England. The scheme allows potential trainees that face a financial, social or academic barrier to study debt-free and receive educational support whilst training with leading firms in the industry.

"The CSTT currently receives approximately 40 applications per apprenticeship place and they could support many more with the help of SMEs and larger firms in the industry.

"Some surveying firms are looking at apprenticeships as another option for recruitment of young people. Nevertheless, while many have embraced the apprenticeship scheme through the CSTT, not enough have stepped up to the mark as yet and seized the benefits of recruiting bright young people who might otherwise miss the chance of starting and developing their career in the property industry.

"We are all fully aware that the market is challenging these days and that is exactly why it is paramount for companies not to cut back on welcoming apprentices. The convenience for the company in tandem with the trainees' personal benefit is priceless."

"It is important to stress that apprentices can earn fees for the company but are paid a fraction of the cost compared to graduates. And due to their young age, the employer has the advantage of moulding the trainee according to the company's needs. Most importantly, individuals who are finally being given a chance to demonstrate their worth tend to show a growing sense of loyalty towards the employer. In this particular case, they are also already committed to the industry and know that this is the career they wish to pursue. Invaluable, if you think how deeply high staff turnover rates can affect a business."

"As a practical example of how apprenticeship can work, our current Chairman, Richard Carter left school at 16 years old and got on board with the CSTT. With help from the Trust he has worked his way through the apprenticeships scheme, progressing to pass his degree and APC while gaining valuable work experience. He is now a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), a member of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and a partner at Martin Arnold Associates LLP. A great achievement he may not otherwise have had the chance to realise."

"Richard is now helping us to help others progress through apprenticeship schemes, but this can’t be done without support from employers. We hope the Government's financial incentives will encourage others to follow suit and recognise the mutual benefit of apprenticeship schemes. "