A new Commercial Apprenticeship Scheme to recruit and train young people for jobs in sales, purchasing and administration, is to be launched by the Aluminium Stockholders Association (ASA), one of the Aluminium Federation's Member Associations, on 1 August 2008.

The Scheme is being co-ordinated by MetSkill, the metals industry training specialists, with the JHP Group as training providers.

The ASA's Training Committee, chaired by Sarah Clark of Ace Engineers Limited, identified requirements from member companies for apprenticeship recruitment and training.

"We have worked with MetSkill and JHP to set up this Scheme with an ASA focus", says Sarah Clark.  "We are looking to recruit 16-18 year olds and provide them with a comprehensive training programme".

The Commercial Apprenticeship Scheme is divided into two parts - Core Training and Enhanced Training.

The core job skills in sales, purchase and administration will be delivered by JHP Training through a standard Customer Service or Business Administration apprenticeship.

Enhanced Training will be co-ordinated by MetSkill for skills specific to the Aluminium Stockholding sector, over and above standard commercial apprenticeship skills.

The ASA will provide training courses in Aluminium Product Knowledge, Lean Manufacturing, Presentation Skills and Team Working/Leading.  Customer visits and networking and social events will also be organised.

The successful apprentices will be awarded ASA Certification at the end of a 27-month training period.

"I am very confident that this exciting new, industry-wide scheme, badged by ASA, will attract potential recruits through a professional approach to career entry and training", says ASA Chairman, Karl Weston of Blackburns Metals Ltd.  "Our member companies will also benefit by sharing resources to promote the sector and for delivery of common training elements.