WHETHER you are leaving school or college this summer and haven't firmly decided what to do next, it may be worth considering ITeC.

Basingstoke ITeC, at John Hunt of Everest Community School, in Popley Way, Basingstoke, has been training people in information technology skills since 1985.

It now provides IT, customer service and business administration apprenticeships to young people aged between 16 and 24.

Approved by the Learning and Skills Council and accredited as an Investor in People, Basingstoke ITeC is a registered charity and part of Basingstoke Youth Action Trust.

Its apprenticeships are relevant to specific industry sectors and include on-site and off-site training, an NVQ qualification, key skills and technical skills.

Trainees, aged between 16 and 19, attend the Training Centre for an initial nine to 10-week training period.

Subjects covered there include word processing, databases, graphics, systems management and spreadsheets. This will gain them a City & Guilds qualification in IT - Equals.

Trainees will also be given guidance in office skills, telephone techniques, team building, essential skills and employment rights and regulations.

After this time, employment is required and work placements are found to enable the trainees to complete their apprenticeship and gain Technical Certificate qualifications specific to their chosen industry.

ITeC can also help those already in work who may want to retrain for a change of career, or just gain qualifications in what they already do.

Work placement officer Claire Francis said: "We can also train existing employees, who are under 25, in the workplace.

"An assessor will work closely with the trainee and their supervisor and regularly visit them on site to set goals and examine evidence that has been gathered.

"The facilities at Basingstoke ITeC are always available for use if necessary."

For more information and to learn what ITeC can do for your career or your company, call 01256 471161 or e-mail mail@basingstokeitec.co.uk