Posted on 12 February
Leeds College of Building (LCB) student Finn Beaumont was pictured at the launch of a strategic partnership between Leeds Rhinos and Checkatrade aimed at supporting skills, opportunity and economic growth across the north.
Finn, who is also an apprentice at Leeds Rhinos stadium, posed alongside Leeds Rhino Academy player and apprentice Wade White, Checkatrade Head of Trade Engagement Emma Grant and Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE.
The partnership, launched during National Apprenticeship Week, is designed to help reverse the emerging crisis of NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), by making it easier for them to start trade businesses, develop skills pathways and contribute to economic growth.
Partnership plans include a Skills Summit convening policymakers and leaders to address skills and workforce challenges and ‘Rhino-vation’ days, with community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation.
The announcement follows new data revealing seven in ten Leeds residents are concerned about the number of young people out of work in the city – with a lack of job and training opportunities a key reason.
Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE said:
“I have been fortunate throughout my life to have been given some incredible opportunities through my involvement with Leeds Rhinos.
“Firstly, as a player, running onto the field for my boyhood club, and now as CEO and a custodian for the legacy of this great club.
“As a father of a young man embarking on his own apprenticeship, I know how much apprenticeships have to offer for the individual, but almost as importantly what those who gain those skills can offer to their own communities.
“I look forward to seeing the partnership go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added:
“Everyone in West Yorkshire deserves the chance to boost their skills and secure good, well-paid work. Apprenticeships and skills training play a vital role in supporting businesses, strengthening our communities, and driving economic growth across the region.”
To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week and the parliamentary inquiry on tackling the youth NEET crisis, Checkatrade has also launched its new Apprenticeship Portal offering exclusive apprentice benefits, discounts, training resources, and career tools to help young people succeed.
