http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Spreading-word-apprenticeships/story-15988899-detail/story.html

Spreading the word on apprenticeships

MANY businesses are unaware of the benefits apprentices can bring, it is claimed.

Tim Puffer, marketing manager at Stephenson College, which runs dozens of apprentice courses, believes more can be done to raise awareness.

He is concerned that many companies don’t realise the wide range of apprenticeships available.

He said: “There is a lot of uncertainty about what apprenticeships are about. I come across this regularly. Some people seem to feel apprenticeships are only available in manufacturing and similar industries when they are now on offer in customer service and other areas.

“We have 1,000 apprentices on our books doing around 40 different apprenticeships.”

Mr Puffer’s comments come as the Post calls on firms to pledge to take on apprentices in the first phase of its Get Notts Working campaign.

We have already beaten our target of 100 apprentice pledges and are now looking for more firms to follow suit.

Mr Puffer wants more businesses to step forward, adding that there are many financial incentives in taking on an apprentice.

The college, which has a campus in Lenton Lane, is one of several apprenticeship providers in Notts.

He said: “I don’t believe many businesses realise what the costs involve. There is a lot of help available out there for them, especially if they take on an apprentice who is 19 or under.

“If they knew of these financial benefits, they might think more about taking on apprentices.”

Training costs for apprentices up to the age of 19 are covered by the National Apprenticeship Service, while half are paid for if the trainee is aged up to 24.

Other grants are available for firms taking on their first apprentices.

The Get Notts Working campaign aims to support local people in their efforts to find a job. It is a partnership between the Post, Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, local councils and major local companies like Laing O’Rourke.

Later this year, we will promote work experience, asking firms to take on unemployed people for a short period.

Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager

Mobile: 07540 704920