Blenheim Apprentices Learn How to Become The Leaders of Tomorrow

Taking place over two days and two nights, the Young Leaders Programme allows young people to take part in fun activities while undertaking Leadership Workshops, and completing a log book of their work.

After the weekend away, the apprentices will be expected to return to Blenheim and run an activity or take responsibility for something new, which they then get feedback on. Apprentices will also be presenting to the Senior Management Team at Blenheim (including the CEO) about what they have learnt.

The nationally-recognised programme is a Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills, and is accredited by The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

“Oxford Young Leaders provides vital skills to help young people to excel. We provide opportunities and support for attendees to improve their understanding of ‘self’, their abilities in teamwork, taking initiative and holding responsibility,” said OY CEO Jodie Lloyd-Jones.

“The programme creates a safe space for challenge and personal growth and has shown demonstrable improvements in participants confidence and self-esteem,” she added.

In 2017 Blenheim set an ambitious goal to train over 100 apprentices in the Oxfordshire area within a decade.

Last year 11 apprentices completed their training, with 19 more on track to finish over the next year.

Working closely with local colleges, apprentices are offered full training in their chosen subject with support and opportunities to grow their education and train to a higher level than needed to complete their apprenticeships.

“It’s really important to us that we encourage, nurture and develop individuals at the beginning of their career journey through our apprenticeship scheme and it is these types of frameworks that will shape the future of organisations and their communities,” said Megan Carter, Blenheim’s Head of HR.

“Leadership is a key skill and this programme allows young people of all abilities to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification,” she added.

With a history spanning over 70 years, Oxfordshire Youth is the leading youth organisation for the youth sector in Oxfordshire.

OY oversees a network of youth sector organisations, brought together through its merger with Oxfordshire Children’s Voluntary Youth Service, together reaching over 6,000 young people.

The charity uses a combination of informal education, youth work and non-formal learning to improve young people’s quality of life.