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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
Jessica excels in council job JESSICA Hall, 18, from Fleetwood has made the perfect start to her career after completing her Business Administration Apprenticeship in a record 10 months with Blackpool based training provider, Training 2000. After completing her GCSEs at Fleetwood Sports College, Jessica decided to undertake an apprenticeship. The learning style enabled her to combine working in the Trading Standards Department at Blackpool Council while attending Training 2000 one day a week to achieve a recognised qualification. Jessica said: “The apprenticeship programme really appealed to me as I was able to gain qualifications while earning a wage. “I had the support and guidance both in my job and at Training 2000 which really made a difference to my learning and enabled me to complete the course quickly.”
During her time at Training 2000 Jessica completed a Level 2 NVQ in Business Administration, and achieved the highest scores in the related Technical Certificates and the computer skills qualification ECDL. Additionally, Jessica also completed the First Aid appointed person certificate, adding to the responsibilities she was able to take on. Allison Anderton, business administration tutor at Training 2000 said: “Jessica is an extremely hard working and dedicated young professional. “She showed a great deal of commitment and drive during her studies and received outstanding feedback from her managers throughout the course. “We are all really proud of her and know she will go far in the future.” As well as completing the course in only 10 months, Jessica won the
“Outstanding Newcomer of the Year” award at Blackpool Council for her attitude and professional manner with internal staff and customers. Julie Burrows, trading standards manager, Advice and Education at Blackpool Council said: “Jessica has become a vital member of the Trading Standard team at Blackpool Council. “She has been involved in a range of activities and is now taking on the lead role in many future projects, showcasing her new abilities and continued commitment.” Training 2000 offers a range of apprenticeships including Engineering, Automotive, Dentistry, Business Administration and Construction which are all available through its Blackpool centre. ■ Visit www.training2000.co.uk for more information on the range of courses available.
Practical learning
TRAIN with the organisation that has a pass rate over three times the national average. With a pass rate of 93 per cent compared to a national average of 26 per cent, you can be assured of a high quality training experience with Training 2000. They have invested over half a million pounds in their full dental training surgery, to enable learners to acquire the practical skills needed as well as the theoretical knowledge. This facility, together with the expertise of their trainers who are all experienced dental nurses means that their apprenticeship programme is second to none. What would the off the job training involve? Your apprentice would visit Training 2000 one day a week to cover the off the job training which would include: ■ All theoretical aspects of the apprenticeship ■ Practical experience gained in their full dental training surgery ■ Key skills are integrated
throughout the training programme ■ Manual handling and first aid ■ Development visits to the maxillofacial unit at a local hospital All training leads to the
achievement of National Vocational Qualifications at level 3, along with the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses Examination. For more information, phone 0845 604 2000
JOB SUCCESS: Jessica Hall from Fleetwood who works for Blackpool Council and completed her business administration apprenticeship in 10 months
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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
SEEN SIR ALAN? WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT? IF you’ve seen the Apprenticeships TV ad with Sir Alan Sugar, this is the time to learn more. The second annual Apprenticeship Week starts on Monday as a national celebration of the contribution apprentices make to the country. In recognition of the key role apprentices play in today’s workplace, the Government is to increase the number of apprenticeship places. People from a wide range of backgrounds can to earn while they learn, and gain real hands-on experience in their dream careers. Apprentices get structured training towards recognised qualifications, plus a salary from day one. They work in a diverse range of organisations and industries including construction, creative industries, health and beauty and retail. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do apprenticeships work? Apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off-the-job, usually on day release, apprentices receive training with a local training provider such as a college. Am I eligible for an apprenticeship? If you live in England and are not taking part in full-time education. How long do apprenticeships last? Generally, between one and three years. What’s involved in the selection procedure? You’ll be interviewed and may take tests. Sell yourself and convince others that an apprenticeship is right for you. Do apprentices get paid? All employed apprentices must receive £80 per week minimum, rising to £95 from August 2009. However, recent research found that they earn an average of £170 net weekly pay. The highest paying sector is electrotechnical at £210 per week. What are the advantages of doing an apprenticeship? Apprentices earn while they learn, gain practical and transferable skills and keep open further study options.Career progression is excellent. Over their career they can earn on average £100,000 more than those who don’t do an apprenticeship. APPRENTICES IN THE SPOTLIGHT Rachael Hoyle, 21, from Lancashire, completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering and has now a full-time position in the Structural Engineering department at BAE Systems, a former work placement. Rachael and 25 scouts have built a community centre in Uganda where Rachael also taught English and maths to classes of 30 Ugandan nationals. Back at home, she’s helped manufacture a special bath for stroke victims.
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TELEVISION CAMPAIGN: Sir Alan Sugar
TV’s Sir Alan says: Train for a career
Rachael says: “I didn’t always want to be an engineer or work with aircrafts. I looked into apprenticeships and other courses, and what clinched the apprenticeship for me was the fact that I could go and begin a career, learning from people who are experts in their own right. Having completed her Advanced Apprenticeship, Rachael is now working towards a Bachelor of Engineering degree with honours at Manches-
ter Metropolitan University. Rachael won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year award 2008.
LOG ON TO FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH The new Vacancy Matching Service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk will help you find the right one for you. Log on to see what’s available in your area or register your details to find out more.
ARE YOU THE NEXT APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR? If you’re already an apprentice you could be a winner at the Apprenticeship Awards 2009. The awards reward outstanding apprentices and apprentice employers. The deadline is Friday, February 27 and each entry must include a completed employer section. Log on to
www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out more.
WHAT COULD APPRENTICES DO FOR MY BUSINESS? Employers of all sizes are recognising the business benefits of apprenticeships. And these numbers are set to grow even more. To find out more about how apprenticeships could help your business visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Team helps employers to encourage learning IN a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive economy both employers and employees are suffering at the hands of the “credit crunch. With many jobs under scrutiny due to the tremendous plunge in profits that employers have experienced over the past two years, every day employees are finding themselves joining the astonishing three million unemployed people in this country. Businesses are suffering just as much as their staff. Bosses take no pleasure in having to let their staff go. With the economy set to get bleaker yet and no real sign that things will improve in the near future it is very difficult to see a way forward for either employers or employees.
Beneast Training has been working closely with businesses large and small all over the North West to tackle the growing problems they are facing and have seen some dramatic results. Working with Beneast to train and develop their workforce, employers have significantly increased the productivity of their staff and begun to hire enthusiastic apprentices to fill their staffing needs. Hiring an apprentice is a huge benefit for employers. Beneast offer a free recruitment service and employers reap the rewards of a dedicated individual who is committed to learning. Employers are also finding the wage cost a great financial relief. Appren-
tices between the ages of 16-24 can be paid a training wage set by the government at £90.01 whilst they are doing their apprenticeship. In return the apprentice will receive top quality training and qualifications that will open many doors for them in the future. Business Administration apprentice Jason Coffey said: “My apprenticeship was fantastic. I gained valuable knowledge and experience from both Beneast and my employer. “I would strongly encourage anyone to do an NVQ as they are extremely valuable in this competitive climate.” Beneast are now celebrating the opening of their Preston branch with a view to having the same impact on the Preston community following
their ongoing successful campaign in Blackpool. Beneast who have delivered qualifications on the Fylde Coast for over 25 years have set up base in Preston city centre to meet the high demand for training amongst both young people and businesses in the area. This new training centre based above the Connexions offices in Guild Hall Street, has been specifically designed and located to ensure the Preston community have access to quality local training right on their doorstep. If you require any further information on the programmes Beneast Training have to offer or you are looking to hire an Apprentice then please contact the Beneast directly on 01253 756400
LET'S TALK ENGLISH
Struggling To Speak English? English Lessons Mon - wed - Fri 7.30pm - 9.30pm Saturday 10am -12pm *cvs and job applications
at Holy Cross Church Hall Central Drive Blackpool call Susan on 01253 298597 or mob 07828 855 916
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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
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Gain skills and get paid FANCY getting paid to do a job but also study for work-related qualifications at the same time? Well, there’s no better place to do it than at Blackpool and The Fylde College. The college offers apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship opportunities in a wide range of areas. Apprentices spend most of their time learning on the job, building up valuable knowledge and skills. Training can take up to four years to complete, depending on the job you’re doing, your age and how much experience you have. Once you complete an apprenticeship, you can move up the career ladder – and continue your training if you want, by progressing to an advanced apprenticeship possibly leading on to an HNC/D or even a foundation degree. Perhaps you are an employer with staff who you feel would benefit from training within a specific job area. Maybe you have a vacancy that you need to fill. Why not appoint a young person and consider the apprenticeship programme? The college will be able to help you find just the right programme for your staff. The benefits of recruiting an apprentice are: ■ Apprenticeships allow you to develop your workforce for the future and help reduce staff turnover ■ Apprenticeships have been designed by employers which means they will meet your needs ■ Apprenticeships can help you create skilled, trained and qualified staff ■ Apprenticeships are not just for new staff, they can also be a way of developing existing staff. Blackpool and The Fylde College offers apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship opportunities in the following areas: ■ Engineering – various routes available ■ Motor Vehicle Mechanic ■ Motor Vehicle Body ■ Motor Vehicle Electric ■ Motor Cycle Mechanic ■ Plastering ■ Bricklaying ■ Plumbing ■Joinery (Bench and Site) ■ Catering and Food Production – various routes available ■ Accountancy ■Hairdressing ■ Barbering ■Health & Social Care ■Child Care ■Customer Service ■ Business Administration ■IT Systems Support/Software Developer If you’re an employer considering recruiting an apprentice and the area you are interested in is not listed here, contact Blackpool and The Fylde College. More details are available at www.blackpool.ac.uk/apprenticeships. For more information you can email apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk or telephone 01253 504318/504313
COURSES: A wide range of apprenticeships are on offer including training in a car mechanics, plumbing and catering
Experts help develop a taste for excellence BLACKPOOL and The Fylde College is giving 12 apprentices from the North West region the chance to develop their skills beyond competence in their chosen areas. The expert classes will demonstrate the difference between satisfactory skills and outstanding skills, encourage learners to strive for this difference. The expert class of 12 learners co-hosted by Blackpool and The
Fylde College’s School of Hairdressing will focus on preparation for competitions. The classes will give them an insight into the latest technology and innovation in their field and underline the world class skills they will need in tomorrow’s workplace. In 2009, the Competence to Excellence programme will build on the success of the series of 500 classes held in 2008.
Expert classes are running throughout England from January to March 2009. Around 1,200 young people across the country will participate. Through the expert class programme, training providers and employers can share best practice and contribute to a skills legacy. The project is also aims at introducing potential competitors to the concept of skills competitions and
increasing the number of North West competitors within the regional and national competitions leading to London 2011. Susan Bleasdale, Blackpool and The Fylde hairdressing tutor said: “The 2009 programme is a great opportunity to build on last year’s success and take our learners to the next level. “By demonstrating the difference between competence and excellence
and encouraging learners to strive for this, we are successfully developing the outstanding learners and employees of the future. “This totally unique approach brings top apprentices together with the best training providers in the UK and leading employers to discover and achieve true excellence. “Between us we are ensuring that we are sharing and passing on best skills in the industry to learners.”
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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
How to get on a scheme
There are no set entry requirements for apprenticeships, and they are open to anyone living in England, currently not in full-time education or not holding a university degree. Entry requirements are flexible because apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. Employers value enthusiasm for work and desire to learn, so your practical skills and interest in your chosen area are very important. In order to apply you need to be: ■ Committed ■ Able to show that you’ve fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you’re the right person for the job ■ Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you ■ Prepared for further study ■ Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do ■ Happy to work both as part of a team and an individual ■ Able to use your own initiative Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It’s not just a question of seeing what’s out there and then selecting your career path. It helps if you’re focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply. SPEAK TO AN ADVISOR If you’re still considering options other than an apprenticeship, you’re not sure about which career path is for you, or you’re 19 or under, then why not talk to a Connexions Direct Adviser? You can contact Connexions by calling 080800 13219 or visiting the website at www.connexions-direct.com. Alternatively if you're over 19 years of age you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus for additional help and advice. For more information you can visit the Jobcentre Plus website. UNDER 16? Young Apprenticeships offer young people in Key Stage 4 (aged 14 to 16) an opportunity to take a programme that involves both work-based learning and 50 days of work experience placement within a sector. The Young Apprenticeship has expanded to a programme that recruits some 9,000 young people each year, and is very successful in leading them onto a full Apprenticeship post16, where they often gain an Advanced Apprenticeship some 12 months earlier than other young people. This programme is expected to be mainstreamed over the next few years. WHAT NEXT? After you’ve received the background information, apply as soon as you can. There’s a high demand for many of the apprenticeships on offer, so there may be competition to get your desired place. As soon as you find something you like, get down to filling in all the necessary forms and be sure to confirm meetings with employers. Remember that you’re not automatically guaranteed an apprenticeship place. The selection process is like any other job application and you’ll have to convince people to take you on by showing them you’re the right person for the job. Depending on your chosen apprenticeship, you may have to go through one or more interviews, fill in forms, and even take some tests. This whole process can be carried out both by the employer and learning provider that you’re hoping to train with. FUNDING Don’t worry about money – you can get financial help and you and your family don’t have to pay any fees. If you’re aged between 16 and 18 then the LSC funds 100 per cent of your training. The funding you’re eligible to receive depends entirely on your circumstances, your employer and the type of apprenticeship you’re applying for. Your employer will work with you to try and support your individual requirements. As an apprentice, you’ll receive the same benefits as other employees in the company. In special circumstances there are Learner Support Funds available, depending on your situation, the type of apprenticeship you are doing, and your age. These also vary depending on your employer and learning provider and need to be discussed with them individually. In addition to short-term gains, achieving an apprenticeship will mean you earn more in the long term and be more employable than those who leave education without these qualifications.
Apprenticeship FOR many, the later years at school can be frustrating when you want to get out into the world, start work and earn a living. If you're already working, perhaps you’re looking to try something new or to improve your skills and knowledge to help you climb the career ladder. You may also want to improve your prospects of finding a job in your chosen industry. Either way, apprenticeships enable you to enter or stay in the world of work, earn a decent wage and learn new skills. Apprenticeships offer a mixture of on and off the job training that provides the skills you need for your chosen career that will also lead to nationally-recognised qualifications. As an apprentice you'll learn on the job and do real jobs for real employers, so you'll be paid while you learn. There are more than 180 apprenticeships available in approximately 80 sectors of industry and commerce, ranging from accountancy to football, engineering to veterinary nursing, business administration to construction. Whatever industry you decide to pursue a career in, you should be able to find an apprenticeship that suits you. Apprenticeship frameworks can be divided into a number of sub-sections: ■ Administration and professional ■ Agriculture ■ Construction ■ Customer service, retailing and wholesaling ■ Engineering ■ Finance, insurance and real estate ■ Food and drink ■ Health and beauty ■ Health, care and public services ■ Hospitality ■ Manufacturing ■ Media and printing ■ Recreation and travel ■ Transportation There are two levels of Apprenticeship available: Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are equivalent to five good GCSE passes. Apprentices work towards a work-based learning qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification to Level 2; Key Skills and in some cases a relevant technical certificate. Advanced Apprenticeships Advanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. Apprentices work towards a work-based learning qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification to Level 3, Key Skills and in some cases a relevant technical certificate HOW DO NVQS COMPARE TO OTHER QUALIFICATIONS? There are five levels of NVQ: Level 1 - 5 GCSEs at grades D-G Level 2 - 5 GCSEs at grades A-C Level 3 - 2 A-levels/1 vocational A-level Level 4/5 - HNC, HND and degree level Programme Structure Apprenticeships are designed with employers to offer a structured training that enables you to learn the exact skills you need to do a job well. Targets monitor your progress and ensure that your employer is providing you with the right support. You’ll spend time off the job with a training provider, often a local college, studying towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications. All the things you study will be useful in your job and enhance your success in your future career. Training that's useful Employers all over the country recognise and value apprenticeships because they demonstrate that you've achieved the skills you need to produce great work. You can develop excellent career prospects, depending on your progress, could be offered a full-time role by your employer at the end of your training. How long does it take? There's no set time as apprenticeships
vary widely in content and size. The time taken depends on the sector you choose, the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework, so it's important that you're committed to see it through. WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? Apprenticeships offer high-quality, work-based training programmes and are a fantastic way to launch yourself into a career when you’ve finished school. They are also a great route for those already in employment to develop or change their future prospects and career. Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were over 250,000 apprentices in England alone, training in over 180 different types of apprenticeship. As you get paid throughout your apprenticeship you have no worries about paying course fees or student loans. What you learn in your apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship will vary, but you'll end up gaining the following: ■ Practical experience, skills and knowledge for working in your chosen industry ■ A work based qualification, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), at Level 2 for an Apprenticeship, or Level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship ■ Key Skills qualifications, e.g. using numbers, working in teams, problemsolving, communications and using new technology ■ A technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award ■ Any extra qualifications or requirements that are important for your chosen occupation
WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT? When you complete an apprenticeship, you’ll be able to prove to any employer that you have the required skills, qualifications and dedication. There’s also the opportunity to progress on to higher education, either part-time or full-time, with your employer’s help and support. An apprenticeship will provide you with an edge in the job market, plus a great sense of personal satisfaction. An apprenticeship will increase your chances of gaining a good rate of pay and being promoted. In the long term, you could also proceed to further education many apprentices go on to complete degrees. WHAT CAN I EXPECT? Earn a good wage while you continue to learn You'll start earning a wage from day one. There’s no set salary for apprentices, however, a recent survey showed that the average weekly wage for an apprentice is now around £170, in some job roles, around £210. This is dependent on your employer and the type of work you do. As your skills develop and you progress, your pay will increase accordingly. Research shows that apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees. Qualifications On completion, you'll have a package of nationally-recognised qualifications. They will be valid for any employer so you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you. Your performance and knowledge is assessed on the job as you reach different levels. These assessments count towards your final work based qualification, such as a
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... how it works
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), which will either be at Level 2 or Level 3/4. Examining bodies award these qualifications to make sure there’s a consistently high level of quality across the nation. Depending on your chosen apprenticeship, you may also study for a technical certificate to give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. This might be a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds Progression Award. You'll also learn communications, information technology, problem solving, application of numbers and personal skills. These will help you do any job and make you more employable, whatever your chosen career path.
Paid holidays Like most employees, you will be given paid holiday and bank holidays. Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement: 20 days is an average holiday entitlement. Your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and the times that holiday can't be taken. You may also be able to take some time off for study leave, in addition to your usual paid leave Other opportunities Many employers also offer opportunities to get involved in out of work activities including social events, community projects or volunteer programmes.
Construct yourself a brighter future YOUNG people in the Blackpool and Fylde can take the first step on the ladder to a career in the construction industry, with a little help from HB Training Ltd, in Chorley Road, Blackpool. The long-established company, formerly known as Henry Boot which was reformed and renamed as part of a management buy out , has a wealth of experience this field and currently employs about 65 apprentices aged between 16 and 18 who are on target to achieve NVQ level 2 in construction operations. HB Training centre manager Dave Weingard himself started his apprenticeship with the company in 1994, when he was 17. After two years he was given an assistant instruc-
tor’s role with Henry Boot, was promoted to instructor, then centre co-ordinator and eventually, centre manager. “There are lots of young people who may not be academic but might show great potential for a construction industry career,” says Dave. “Some may feel at a disadvantage because of social or personal issues, but providing they are willing to work we can help by get-
ting a placement and helping them to achieve the framework required to take them forward.” Apprentices can apply directly or are referred via Beneast or Connexions training agencies to HB Training, who then subcontract them out to builders in the area. “We pay the wages so it doesn’t cost the builder anything. They just have to teach the apprentice and pass on their skills knowledge while he or she works for them,” explains Dave. If you are a self-employed builder or if you have a building company and would be prepared to help a young person get started in a trade, please contact Dave Weingard at HB Training on (01253) 301824.
Support during training Your employer or training provider will ensure that you have a mentor. Their job is make sure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and meets national standards. They will help you through any difficult times and answer any questions. Prospects Because apprenticeships train you in the skills that employers want, they give you career choices. When you’ve completed your apprenticeship you can carry on working, maybe get promoted, or even go on to higher education in a college or university.
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Easy steps to applying Applying is easy and there are so many possibilities! Apprenticeship Hotline With one simple phone call to the apprenticeship hotline, you can find out all you need to know about apprenticeships and request more details about the areas of work you're interested in. Further information will then be sent to you. Within a few weeks, a local adviser will be in touch with you to set up meetings with learning providers in your local area. These learning providers have contacts with local employers who may have suitable vacancies for you. The call won’t cost you a penny and can lead to your future career.So what are you waiting for? The number you need to remember is 08000 150 600. Online If you'd prefer to register your interest online then all you have to do is log on to the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) website. Go into the “Want to become an apprentice?“ section and click on the link entitled “What next?” You’ll then receive information about opportunities in your local area that suit your requirements. The LSC will also put you in touch with a learning provider who’ll try and match you with a local employer. Union Learning Representatives If you’re already in work, then many employers with union membership identify key individuals as Union Learning Representatives (ULRs). They can also help you to approach and make initial contact with your managers. Employer contact If you’ve found an apprenticeship within a specific company that particularly interests you then you can approach an employer directly. It’s always beneficial to check the company website before you contact them, as larger employers tend to have the answers to most of the common questions online. It also gives a good impression that you’ve done your research and you’re clued up. Once you’ve made initial contact with the employer, they’ll send you information about the training they offer or they’ll direct you to their website. It’s important to bear in mind that you’ll be contacting the company as a potential employee so you should make sure you remain professional at all times. Remember, first impressions are crucial. To find companies that offer apprenticeships you can always check out your local job listings and newspapers. Local recruitment agencies also prove a great source for advice. If you’re already in employment, why not ask your employer if they've ever thought about setting up an apprenticeship programme of their own? If they need more information, suggest they look at the apprenticeships website for employers. They can also call the LSC Apprenticeship helpline for employers on 08000 150 400.
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A Gazette Publication Friday, February 20, 2009
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