http://m.thestar.co.uk/lifestyle/the-star-says/apprentices-thrive-in-city-1-4312016

Apprentices thrive in city

Published: 05 March 2012

THE visit by members of the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee could not come at a better time. For they are looking into the question of apprenticeships…and this visit comes hot on the heels of a drive in Sheffield to encourage local businesses to take on more apprentices.

THE visit by members of the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee could not come at a better time. For they are looking into the question of apprenticeships…and this visit comes hot on the heels of a drive in Sheffield to encourage local businesses to take on more apprentices.

There is a long and proud tradition in Sheffield for people to enter their professions through this route, though they have become less popular in recent years.

And the current time, as the financial thumbscrews are being tightened around the local economy, fewer young people are being taken on as apprentices.

However, the city has held on to its tradition of recruiting young employees through the apprenticeship route and, judging by comments heard in recent weeks while the cause of apprentices was being championed across the region, their numbers are growing.

This is great news and we are sure that the committee members will leave Sheffield with plenty of ideas on how to give young people the all-important first step on the road to a rewarding career.

Charity’s work needs to continue

IT would be a real tragedy if the Victim Support charity is hit in any way by Whitehall plans to reform the criminal justice system.

Campaigners fear that the service could be cut, or even scrapped, under the provisions which suggest that local police and crime commissioners will be responsible for services provided to victims and witnesses instead of them being managed and overseen nationally, as at present.

If any proof were needed of the value of the Victim Support scheme, you have only to learn that last year it helped 7,415 people and we are sure that all of them would agree that it offers a vital service.

We hope that any changes that may be brought in will not affect the work done by the Victim Support charity in South Yorkshire.

Conference advert

TO many the contribution to the city’s economy from conferences is hidden from view. But it is nonetheless a valuable asset which is expected to bring in at least £2 million this year alone.

What is more conferences staged in Sheffield act as a great advertisement to delegates.

We are sure that once they have visited Sheffield and seen that it has so much to offer, many of them will be eager to return.

Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager

Mobile: 07540 704920