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Gateshead apprentices getting hired

A North East council is to increase the number of apprentices it employs in a bid to combat the effects of the economic downturn.

Gateshead Council has started the search for new apprentices as part of a drive to help young people into the jobs market.

The Council has committed itself to doubling the number of apprentices it employs and increasing the overall number in Gateshead to 500.

The council wants to increase the number of people on the apprenticeship scheme to around 150 in areas including leisure services, social care, customer services and business administration.

The council says that many of its senior staff are former apprentices.

Chris Pape, a former apprentice and now economic development team leader at Gateshead Council said: “People often mistakenly think of apprenticeships as just a two year training placement but they actually offer an excellent career path. To see how valuable the scheme is you just need to look at the situation in Gateshead, where so many go on to work at a higher level in the council.

“I would encourage anyone to get involved in this at the start of their career particularly with the current economic difficulties the country is facing.”

Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council said: “These are undoubtedly very tough economic times right across the country and local authorities increasingly have a role to play in supporting local economies.

“Our commitment to employing more apprentices is part of a bold package of measures that will help support the local economy during the recession and ensure that we are well placed for future investment when the upturn comes.

“As a council we have always had excellent, committed staff join us through this scheme and by expanding our numbers I’m confident we’ll attract even more high quality candidates.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .