http://www.chesterfieldpost.co.uk/public_services/mp_politics/mp_news_00000337.html

The Chesterfield Post – Local MP’s News

A flagship scheme aimed at creating 700 apprenticeships is now being showcased for its vision at national level.

Derbyshire County Council is creating 700 apprenticeships over the next four years − 500 within the authority and 200 in private industry. And the programme is now to be showcased at The Future of Apprenticeships conference in Westminster, London, on May 29th.

Kevin Parkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, has been invited to make a presentation telling the Derbyshire story at the conference.

Councillor Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to be able to share the aims and successes of our programme at this national event.

“We’re committed to giving the county’s young people the best possible start in life and our apprenticeships are part of that.

“They provide the practical and technical workplace skills as the foundation for a successful career.”

The first round of apprentice positions with the county council − in road working, business administration and customer service − are currently being recruited to. Opportunities are still available, particularly in the Matlock area.

A second wave of placements will be advertised in the early Summer to start in September.

The Council is also supporting local businesses to take on apprentices through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) programme.

Businesses employing less than 50 people can apply for one of 200 grants of £2,500 support them to take on a young person who is not in education, employment or training.

Over 100 grants have been approved since the scheme was launched in January.

For information about Apprenticeship Grant for Employers contact Andy Williams on andy.williams