Partner Article

Green light for apprenticeships in the region

AN EXTRA 75,000 apprenticeship places will be available after the region’s business community joined forces with the Government in a drive to urge employers to take on trainees.

The coalition is supporting the initiative by highlighting the business benefits of Apprenticeships in the current economic climate and how Apprenticeships can supply the skilled, talented workforce needed for the future.

Skills minister John Hayes MP, Dragons Den, entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE, along with a number of high profile business bodies and business including regional outfits including Nissan, South Tyneside Homes and Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Ltd all advocate the benefits that Apprenticeships can bring to businesses and apprentices.

Peter Jones CBE, said: “My experience in business has highlighted how new talent can really invigorate a company.

“Apprentices can work in a huge range of roles in a business and the businesses benefit just as much as the apprentices themselves. This is why I am working with the National Apprenticeship Service to develop an Apprenticeship in Enterprise.”

The Government’s commitment has been strongly stated with the recent announcement of funding for an extra 75,000 Apprenticeship places over the next four years.

The commitment has also come from businesses themselves, with 85,000 already making a commitment by employing apprentices in their own companies.

John Hayes MP, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong learning said: “This Government believes that Apprenticeships are a key component to up skilling the workforce and are one of the best forms of work based learning.

“We will be working closely with employers to help them play their part in improving the employment prospects of young people and creating the highly skilled workforce this country needs.”

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