Member Article

Councils urged to increase apprenticeships

Public sector bodies in the North East are being urged to take on more apprentices.

In the wake of Gateshead Council’s commitment to increase the number of apprentices they employ, The North East Chamber of Commerce is encouraging other councils to follow their example.

NECC applauded the council for its actions, and pointed out that councils could have a massive impact on furthering the prospects of young people in the region by taking on more apprentices.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of NECC said: “Apprentices can be a tremendous asset for employers. Having received the relevant training they are skilled and equipped to make an immediate and meaningful contribution to a company or organisation.

“The commitment shown by Gateshead Council to the apprenticeship programme needs to be replicated by other public sector bodies with the power and potential to have a serious impact on employment and training opportunities for hundreds of young people in the North East.”

According to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive and 80% believe they reduce staff turnover.

Mr Ramsbotham said: “With notable benefits to both employer and employee there are compelling reasons for increasing the number of apprenticeships available and we would encourage more public sector bodies to do this.”

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