Yorkshire Chamber launches “flexi-job” service to offer apprenticeship funding support

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2022, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a new ‘flexi-job’ service, helping employers across Yorkshire access apprenticeship funding to help train tomorrow’s talent.

The Chamber Talent service has been set up to provide individual businesses with an alternative approach to workforce development, designed to increase the talent pool for the whole industry in which they operate.

Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Whilst apprenticeships have proved to be an excellent option for training staff over several decades, some employers find that the current apprenticeship model isn’t flexible enough for today’s working practises, and that skills gaps persist across their industry.

“Many businesses feel unable to offer year-long apprenticeships, often because their work is seasonal or project-based, while others feel they don’t have adequate support, time or cash flow in place to help train apprentices.

“There may also be instances where staff need to have gained prior accreditation from a previous employer before working in their specific environment.”

The Chamber is one of 15 organisations selected by the Government to set up a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency. Other organisations engaged in the initiative include the BBC, NHS, and McGinley Ltd.

Martin continued: “Without a flexible approach to apprenticeships, some industries, especially those with a high volume of small businesses or freelancers, are suffering acute skills gaps and need a solution to collaboratively increase the talent pool.

“From assessing the data produced by our latest Quarterly Economic Survey, and reflecting on conversations with our members, we know that the appetite for skills is there. Companies are keen to usher in a new cohort of skilled recruits, but that initial training and development is lacking here in Yorkshire.”

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