Leading training provider Realise is working to tackle the growing youth unemployment challenge by searching for in excess of 500 organisations to become a ‘Future Talent Employer’.

Thousands of young people across the UK are set to receive a leg-up onto the career ladder thanks to a new campaign to get at least 500 businesses to pledge to take on an administrative apprentice.

Leading training provider Realise is working to tackle the growing youth unemployment challenge by searching for in excess of 500 organisations to become a ‘Future Talent Employer' by committing to hiring at least one Level 2 Administration Support apprentice over the next year.

For many employers, the apprenticeship will be 100% government funded so be of no cost, while SMEs can also benefit from up to £6,000 in cash incentives.

Participating businesses will receive a place on Realise's Roll of Honour as well as end-to-end support to ensure the apprentice has the best possible experience.

Builders' merchant Selco Builders Warehouse has become the first business to take the pledge.

Selco Builders Warehouse, which has 75 branches, sees huge benefits in apprenticeships and developing talent from within.

Sally Kerr, HR Director for Selco, said: "We have worked with Realise on our extensive apprenticeship programmes for a number of years and they have been transformative for our business, providing excellent opportunities for developing skills and knowledge, as well as career progression for our colleagues.

"The Realise team has a fantastic reputation for delivering outstanding training provision and we are proud to support the pledge for the Future Talent Campaign.

"It's an important initiative which will not only drive talented youngsters into the workplace but also help address the growing issue around a lack of employment and training opportunities."

The administration apprenticeship is a new qualification designed to give young people a gateway into the workplace, acting as a stepping stone into numerous positions and roles.

The latest official figures show more than a million young people are NEET – not in employment, education or training - the highest level in more than 12 years and equating to roughly one in eight young people.

Karen Matthews, Director of Business Skills Solutions at Realise, said: "Entry level job and career opportunities are shrinking for young people. The recent review by Alan Milburn predicted that one in six are set to be out of work, education or training in five years.

"For the good of our young people, and the country's economy as a whole, that simply cannot be allowed to happen.

"Meanwhile, a recent study found that small businesses are spending an average of 16 hours a week on administrative tasks.

"This new apprenticeship, which is only open for 16 to 24-year-olds, seeks to find a solution for those two problems, offering young people a realistic pathway into the workplace while providing businesses with all the benefits of bringing young people on board, including fresh perspectives and native digital skills.

"These apprenticeships need the support of employers – and that's why we have launched our pledge campaign. We want as many businesses as possible to demonstrate their commitment to the next generation by becoming a Future Talent Employer."

Those who take the pledge will receive numerous benefits, including a ready-to-use promotional pack and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) advantages.

The Level 2 Administration Support apprenticeship is set to prove popular with employers of all sizes and in a range of sectors, including care providers, recruitment agencies, accountants, legal firms, logistics companies and small manufacturers.

As well as being suitable for large employers, SMEs will also significantly benefit from the Level 2 Administration Support opportunity by bringing in new faces to support with administration and help to grow the business further, with all apprentices receiving pre-employment sessions to ensure they are ready to meet workplace expectations.

The apprenticeship is aimed predominantly at 16 to 24-year-olds starting out in their career and takes just 12 months to complete - shorter than previous administrative programmes.

The apprenticeship covers a wide spectrum of topics, including processing data, using software packages, communication information, planning tasks, maintaining professional relationships and handling feedback.

Successful learners can then progress onto a Level 3 apprenticeship, in disciplines such as Administration Specialist, HR Support, Customer Service Specialist.

Other companies can sign up by visiting https://realisetraining.com/future-talent-employer-pledge