YOUR first day at work can be both an exciting and frightening experience.

So spare a thought for the new apprentices who have just stepped through the doors at the Central Herts YMCA in WGC on a 10-month work experience placement.

As part of a �1bn Government project to create up to 150,000 jobs for the long-term unemployed, young people and others who face disadvantages in the job market, Central Herts YMCA took on 15 apprentices in the hope of giving them skills and qualifications to prepare them for full-time employment.

The group will cover a range of positions at the YMCA’s Tewin Road headquarters during their tenure, and gain a range of business-related vocational qualifications.

Ruth Griffin, head of HR at YMCA Central Herts, said: “Our apprenticeships are more than just providing someone with a job, they are about providing young people with the skills and confidence they need to be able to sustain employment in the future.

“In addition to an apprenticeship and NVQ, the HR team will be offering development on soft-skills such as CV writing, building confidence and interview techniques.

“Each apprentice has also been provided an ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualified coach to ensure that they have the best experience and make the most of the opportunities available.”