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120 vacancies as firms back Gazette campaign

MORE than 120 apprentice vacancies have already been created in the North-east.

The Evening Gazette has linked up with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to help firms find the staff they need to grow and help those without a job make a new start.

And, in its first fortnight, 100 Days: The Apprenticeship Challenge has seen 127 new apprenticeships created.

Alan Wallace, head of employer accounts for the NAS, said he was impressed that so many had taken up the challenge to increase apprenticeships so quickly in the 100-day campaign.

“We are delighted and extremely grateful that so many employers have chosen to support the campaign and offer apprenticeship opportunities.

“Apprenticeships can give people a positive start on the career ladder, offering the opportunity to earn a wage and gain valuable experience and nationally recognised qualifications that will shape their future.

“For businesses, they are an extremely cost-effective way of bringing enthusiastic people into the workforce.”

This region has the worst unemployment levels in the UK and a high proportion of young people without jobs.

Last year, the Gazette and its sister paper The Journal worked with NAS to get 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 reported that 1,355 new apprenticeships had been created.

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 apprenticeships.org.uk

For details on the campaign see www.nebusiness.co.uk/apprenticeships.

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Paul Champion
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