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Awards for North East apprentices

If every person in the North East who started an Apprenticeship this year stood arm-to-arm, they would stretch all the way from Durham to Whitley Bay, according to the National Apprenticeship Service, which has just launched its seventh annual Apprenticeship Awards.

More than 16,800 people in the North East began an Apprenticeship in 2009 – an increase of 24% over the last three years. The Awards celebrate these starters and all of England’s apprentices, along with the businesses that employ them.

John Wayman, Regional Director, National Apprenticeship Service said: “The Apprenticeship Awards recognise the achievements of individuals engaged in training and the organisations that invest in them.

“Apprentices provide a real boost to Britain’s economy, helping businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities often not available on the external job market. They bring fresh ideas and innovation to organisations and help to increase staff retention.”

Research shows that employers who hire apprentices can recoup their investment in as little as 18 months, with apprentices continuing to make a positive financial contribution to a business if retained. Trade sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction and business administration generally have the shortest payback period, with engineering and social care taking no more than four years.

Kevin Brennan, Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs, said: “I’m delighted to support the annual Apprenticeship Awards and have seen first-hand the benefits that apprentices bring to businesses of all different sectors and sizes.

“Let’s reward apprentice employers and young people in the North East for their hard work and commitment and I’d encourage anyone who knows an apprentice or organisation that employs one to make a nomination.”

To nominate an employer or apprentice in the North East for an Award, go to apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards or call 08000 150 600 to find out more about Apprenticeships. Entries close on 27 February 2010.

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