YOUNG people in Basingstoke thinking about an apprenticeship as the next stage in their career would be well advised to consider BCOT Employment and Training Services (BETS).

Established in 1996, BETS is a specialist department within Basingstoke College of Technology which arranges and manages government-funded work-based training programmes (apprenticeships) for young people.

BETS assists 16 to 24-year-olds in gaining nationally-recognised qualifications, such as NVQ2, NVQ3, Technical Certificates, and Key Skills while they are in appropriate employment.

Skills sectors covered by BETS include construction, engineering, business administration, hospitality services, food preparation and cooking, beauty therapy, hairdressing, accountancy, automotive technologies, electrical installation and care and early years.

BETS is committed to supporting both the apprentice and the employer through the training process. It assesses the suitability of an employer to support a BETS apprentice, looking closely at their ability to comply with health and safety, as well as national minimum wage regulations and working time regulations.

An employer must also be able to issue a valid contract of employment and provide on-the-job training.

The work-based training provided by BETS is now considered as much a recruitment and training service for local employers as a training programme for young people. Its current portfolio includes small and medium-sized businesses, as well as larger organisations, such as the Linde Group, Tenon and Hampshire County Council.

BCOT work-based learning manager Julie Poynter said: "Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into further education for young people who are vocationally focused."

If you are under 25 and are interested in apprenticeships at BCOT, contact Candy Matthews on 01256 306336 for information or advice.