Duke praises Express & Star's Ladder for the Black Country
The Duke of York praised the Express & Star-led Ladder for the Black Country campaign as he officially launched a spin-off of the project in Shropshire.
Prince Andrew, who is patron of both initiatives, visited the offices of our sister paper the Shropshire Star yesterday where he met business leaders and apprentices to kick-start Ladder for Shropshire.
In just six months the Ladder for the Black Country has create more than 160 apprenticeships with more than 50 employers.
The Duke said: "It is all about information, it is all about knowledge and that is where Ladder is so clever because it is delivered by a newspaper which has not only readership but also an audience.
"You are being able to get the message out about training and the news of training to young people at an earlier age and young people want to know there are people and organisations out there that are there to help them."
One of those taking her first steps in the world of work thanks to the Ladder for the Black Country is Alisha Atkins.
The 16-year-old is an administration apprentice at Travelstar European coach hire firm in Walsall.
The former Shelfield Academy student addressed a packed press hall of business leaders and the Duke.
She said: "I went to college and it did not work out for me. I heard about Ladder for the Black Country and applied. I have been working at Travelstar European for just over three months and love it.
"An apprenticeship has turned out to be a much better way for me because I am learning new skills, getting training, while having some money on the side.
"The Ladder has helped me get into work and there is a clear career pathway for me."
Travelstar European operations manager Neil Jones also addressed the gathering.
He said: "We have not looked back. Alisha has brought something new to the business and we are already reaping the rewards. The Ladder made it really easy by visiting us and assessing our business and listening to our needs. I thoroughly recommend it."
The Ladder for the Black Country is a partnership between the Express & Star, The Vine Trust charity, training provider Performance Through People, and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
