A teenager is encouraging 16 to 18-year-olds “struggling to figure out what to do in life” to take part in a Bury apprenticeship programme, next year.  

Harvey Walsh, 18, started with Rochdale Training on the Future Apprenticeship Foundation (FAF) at age 17 in February 2023.

Less than a year later, he praised the programme for helping him progress, gain work experience, and improve his English, Maths, and employability skills.

He now wants to encourage others to take advantage of the course as places for the Bury programme open in January. 

Bury Times: Harvey Walsh, 18

He said: “It was a brilliant course.

“The experience confirmed this was the sector for me and I was eager to apply for administration positions after my work placement.

“The support from the tutors and the staff is outstanding, everyone at Rochdale Training creates a safe and friendly environment, and I am really comfortable here.

“I have now progressed to a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with Rochdale Training”.

The ‘FAF’ is a Pre-Apprenticeship program lasting 12 weeks.

It is designed to prepare for an apprenticeship through a combination of work and study.

Participants gain work experience in a 'real work' setting and gain extra qualifications that employers look for.

Harvey said: “Being on the Future Apprenticeship Foundation not only allowed me to develop workplace skills but also life skills.

“I would recommend this course to others who need support and struggling to figure out what to do in life.”

Places for the Bury ‘FAF’ will open in January for 16 to 18-year-olds.

Candidates must be committed for the full duration of the course and must not already have a Customer Service qualification.

For more information about the Future Apprenticeship Foundation and apprenticeships  contact Nathan Finn on 01706 631417 or email  nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk