http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/

The Journal launches 100 Days Apprenticeship campaign

TODAY The Journal launches a major new campaign to encourage more North East companies to take on apprentices over the next 100 days.

With unemployment in the North East at the worst level in the country, we have joined up with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to get business to take advantage of the huge opportunities of taking on apprentices.

The region has a particularly high number of young people without jobs and the new campaign 100 Days: The Apprenticeship Challenge hopes to tackle the problem.

Last year The Journal worked with NAS with the aim of getting 100 firms to take on 100 apprentices in 100 days. Within a few weeks it was so successful we had to increase the target to 500.

And when the 100 days were up we were able to report that 1,355 new apprenticeships had been created.

This year’s campaign is backed by companies and training providers from across the region and The Journal’s sister title on Teesside, the Evening Gazette, is also throwing its weight behind it.

Alan Wallace, head of employer accounts for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Apprenticeships bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole.

“In an increasingly competitive world, no business can afford not to invest in training and apprenticeships are one of the very best and most cost-effective ways for employers to grow their own talent.

“That is why the National Apprenticeship Service is driving the 100 Day Apprenticeship Challenge, working alongside the other campaign partners to ensure that more North East organisations across all sectors and industries can have the opportunity to enjoy the business benefits that employing apprentices can bring.”

While the Government has significantly cut spending in many areas, it has pledged to increase funding for apprenticeships by 50%.

The apprenticeship programme attracts over £1.45bn in public funding each year and the recently-announced £1,500 Apprenticeship Grant for Employers is an additional incentive to encourage new employers to get involved.

In the North East, where 10.8% of the population are jobless, there is also a skills shortage with companies unable to fill many of the jobs they need.

Figures from the National Apprenticeship Service show that apprenticeships deliver real results, with 80% of employers agreeing that they make the workplace more productive, while 83% rely on their apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of sponsors the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to offer our support to this incredibly important campaign.

“For many companies, apprenticeships are a critical way of training young people and adults to fill specific roles within their organisations, helping both the individual and business develop together.

“Anything we can do to encourage our members to consider investing in apprenticeship programmes is certainly a positive, and this campaign will be a great help in raising awareness of, and interest in, apprenticeships.”

To find out more about the 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge, recruiting apprentices or to see if you are eligible for the £1,500 Apprenticeship Grant for Employers call 08000 150 600 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager

Mobile: 07540 704920