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Urban pioneers set for apprenticeship awards

A scheme which has helped scores of young people improve their career prospects is to celebrate the achievements of its apprentices at a major event in Darlington.

The Urban Blitz training scheme is run by specialist training and cleaning company Nordic Pioneer and teaches 16 to 24-year-olds how to carry out environmental maintenance and cleaning tasks such as tackling graffiti.

The Apprenticeship programme, which is operated in conjunction with employment agencies in the region, has successfully trained 45 youngsters since it started back in September 2010.

The Urban Blitz Apprentice Celebratory Evening will see the top talent which has been unearthed by the scheme recognised at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday night.

The event will award apprentices in a number of categories including the best apprentice team, most improved student as well as special recognition awards for hard work and for the most enthusiastic apprentice.

Nordic Pioneer’s managing director Peter Robinson said: “All of our apprentices have worked extremely hard in adverse weather and the success of the programme is proof that young people can work diligently and effectively in all types of conditions.”

The awards will be hosted by Darlington College, which works in partnership with Nordic Pioneer to fund training on the Urban Blitz scheme for its students.

Tim Grant, principal of the college, said: “As an institution that prides itself on helping young people in the region find a prosperous career path, it is fitting that we have been able to support this event.

“As well as helping youngsters learn valuable lessons about working life, the Urban Blitz scheme also offers huge benefits to the local community.”

The training programme operated by Nordic Pioneer has allowed students to receive several qualifications including a technical certificate in cleaning principles, key skills in communications and numeracy and the QCF level 2 certificate in cleaning and support service skills.

Apprentices on the training programme work alongside Darlington Borough Council’s Street Scene team and - during the recent snowy conditions - cleared paths around care homes and hospices and even helped give first aid to an elderly lady who had fallen in the town centre.

Nordic Pioneer has also provided additional training in sharps handling and disposal, conflict management and employability skills.

Meanwhile, the company is currently working in partnership with telecoms and entertainment giant Virgin Media to assist in the cleaning of the firm’s equipment as part of its apprenticeship scheme.

“Our aim is that the programme will develop a whole range of environmental maintenance opportunities for the young people to learn and we are prepared to work in partnership with local organisations to develop such programmes,” said Mr Robinson.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .