Checkatrade joins hands with Leeds Rhinos to boost apprenticeships for young people

​​​​​​​Upcoming plans include a Skills Summit convening policymakers and leaders to address skills and workforce challenges

Home improvement platform Checkatrade launched a partnership with British rugby league team Leeds Rhinos to support skills, opportunity and economic growth across the North.

Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the partnership brings Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos together 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.

It is aimed at addressing a clear need in the city. New polling data commissioned by Checkatrade reveals that almost seven in ten residents (68%) are concerned about the number of young people in Leeds who are currently out of work.

Six in ten (58%) point to a lack of job opportunities, while even more (81%) do not believe schools and colleges in the area are doing enough to develop the skills young people need for the world of work.

Residents highlighted improving the volume and quality of apprenticeships in the area as the number one priority to improve skills and employment prospects for younger generations. This was followed by ‘retraining people to develop new skills’.

The partnership is designed to deliver meaningful, practical impact, with Checkatrade as an Associate Partner of Leeds Rhinos and an Official Partner of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. 

It will be rooted in a strong cultural alignment between elite sport and skilled trades, where success is driven by graft, consistency and doing things right.

Key commitments include:

• Checkatrade Starter Kit
  Checkatrade is offering to cover 12 months’ free Checkatrade membership for all trade businesses affiliated to teams within the Leeds Rhinos Foundation network.  This will give new and existing trades approved membership worth over £400 each, and access to vetting, TradeMore to manage their business admin, Checkatrade Pay and job bookings. 
• Start Your Business Workshops
  A series of workshops delivered with Leeds Rhinos to support people considering a career in the trades and open up clear, supported pathways into skilled work. These sessions will reach individuals before they launch their businesses.  
• Skills Summit
  Co-hosted by Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos, the summit will bring together regional decision-makers, including the mayor and local leaders, as part of the wider programme to address skills and workforce challenges.
• Community ‘Rhino-vation’ Days
  Practical, hands-on community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation.