Pera Training and the PGA launch new Apprenticeship scheme

Pera Training, the UK's leading provider of pre-employment training and Apprenticeships, has today announced that it is to partner with the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) to offer a new Apprenticeship aimed exclusively at 16-24 year olds not currently in full-time education.

The new Apprenticeship will allow PGA members in England to access the government's Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) of up to £1500 to help meet the expenses of employing an apprentice.

Commenting on the launch of the new Apprenticeship scheme, Chief Executive of Pera Training, Richard Grice, explained: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and the PGA in delivering this exciting new Apprenticeship programme."

Dr Kyle Phillpots, Joint Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education and Career Development commented: "This scheme will give the Apprentice the chance to learn valuable skills before enrolling on the PGA Training Programme.

Karen Woodward, Divisional Apprenticeships Director at the National Apprenticeship Service said: "This fantastic new programme is another great example of what can be achieved by bringing partners together to offer new career opportunities for young people." 

The Intermediate Apprenticeship programme will take 12 months to complete; upon which the apprentice will be able to undertake a full range of duties in the golf business.

This grant is specifically for PGA members who are committed to helping develop young people by investing in practical skills development which will ensure that they have the skilled staff they need to take full advantage when we emerge from the recession.

At the end of the Intermediate Apprenticeship, apprentices will be given the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 (Advanced) Apprenticeship programme.

Once both programmes have been completed, those apprentices with appropriate ‘other' skills such as a golf handicap will be eligible to apply to begin the PGA Foundation Degree in Professional Golf.