by Another 13 firms pledge to take on apprentices at skills showcase
ANOTHER 13 Notts companies have pledged to take on an apprentice yesterday as part of the Post’s Get Notts Working campaign.
They were among 50 firms attending an event which explained to employers the benefits of apprenticeships and the grants and subsidies available to companies.
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Plenty to offer: Philip Lovett, from Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, talks to apprentices from Nottingham City Homes, Helen Cort and Austin Grant, at the event at Nottingham Conference Centre.
Among the employers now seeking an apprentice after attending the event, at Nottingham Conference Centre, is Neil Harrison of ARUP, based in Queen Street.
Mr Harrison, an electrical engineer, said: “We took on an apprentice in our West Midlands office and it opened my eyes, so I have been trying to find out more and I am looking to take someone on this summer. It is a great opportunity for a young person and the existing team are excited about it.”
The Get Notts Working campaign aimed to find 100 new apprenticeships within 100 days. With a month still to go, local firms have now pledged to take on 170 apprentices.
The information event was organised by Nottingham City Council and supported by Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service and the Nottingham Post.
Karen Woodward, of NAS, explained that the Government would meet the training costs for apprentices aged 16 to 18 and could make a contribution for training those aged 19 and over.
There are also grants available for employers towards the cost of recruiting an apprentice, up to £1,500, and further financial assistance can be obtained by employers through the Nottingham Jobs Fund.
Ms Woodward said an apprentice could be employed at a cost to the company of £2.60 per hour. The average wage an apprentice receives is £190 per week and up to 1,200 job occupations are now covered by apprenticeship training.
“We are looking at more employers in Nottingham to step up to the plate,” she said.
George Cowcher, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said Nottingham underperforms in terms of the take-up of apprenticeships.
“It is important to raise our game,” he said. “They are important for employers and the success of the local economy.”
Meanwhile, John Yarham, director of economic innovation at the city council, said: “We know apprenticeships will improve the skills of employees and health of the local economy.”
Mel Cook, editor of the Post, said: “Through this campaign, businesses and young people have seen the benefits of apprenticeships. And we are looking for more firms to take on an apprentice.”
The recruitment of apprentices is the first phase in Get Notts Working. Later this year we will be asking employers to take on work experience placements.
Paul Champion
www.paulchampionuk.com
www.apprenticeshipblog.com
📱: 07540 704920
Twitter: @blogapprentice
Skype: paulchampion31
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