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Apprenticeship 'hub' unveiled by Cheshire and Warrington LEP

A Cheshire apprenticeship training centre has been unveiled by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (March 11th-15th).

With support from the National Apprenticeship Service, an Apprenticeship Hub and Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) have been launched to help with supply and demand of apprentices in the region.

Cheshire and Warrington LEP said the new centre will provide opportunities for SMEs, training providers and young people by increasing the number of apprenticeships and through better promotion of its different schemes.

The LEP added that it would create a partnership structure that allows a variety of businesses and organisations to get involved.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 24 will be further encouraged into schemes through the Apprenticeship Hub, which hopes to raise its profile by visiting schools, promoting the ‘image’ of apprenticeships and improving perceptions around vocational career paths.

Cheshire and Warrington LEP also has plans to work with local employers who’ve signed up to the LEP Apprenticeship Promise.

Christine Gaskell, chair of the LEP, commented: “The Cheshire & Warrington LEP is prioritising skills development through the delivery of our skills strategy.

“As part of this we firmly believe that investing in apprenticeships will help us develop the skilled workforce of tomorrow, strengthen the long-term sustainability of the sub-regional economy ensuring that Cheshire & Warrington maintains its competitiveness in global markets.”

The ATA will let companies who were previously unable to reach apprentices to bring them into their businesses, as well as helping young people into the labour market.

Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, and skills lead for the Apprenticeship Hub, said: “Now is the time to invest in Apprenticeships. The National Apprenticeship Scheme research shows a positive return on investment in a relatively short time.

“We need to increase our skills base and young people are desperate for opportunities to develop rewarding careers. Increasingly, apprenticeships are offering them an attractive alternative to an academic education.

“There are barriers that young people currently face such as sourcing work-experience/ volunteering placements and sourcing support with interview /work clothing, equipment and the Apprenticeship Hub will address these barriers.

“We urge employers of all sizes and sectors to consider offering an apprenticeship to fill their next vacancy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .