Coventry & Warwickshire employers urged to attend apprenticeships for SMEs information event

Employers in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to develop their businesses and grow their skills by utilising government funding available to invest in skills and apprenticeships.

From spring 2017 the way the apprenticeships are funded and delivered is changing. Ahead of the reforms the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) is inviting SMEs to a practical event to help support smaller companies in utilising government funds for training and apprenticeships.

The breakfast event is being held during National Apprenticeship Week at the Welcome Centre in Parkside, Coventry on Friday, March 10 from 8am until 10am.

Wendy Coy, from the CWLEP, said: “Developing skills is a vital part of maintaining and growing businesses across the region. 

“The long term development of all skills is a key priority identified in the CWLEP’s Strategic Economic Plan, as it is for the West Midlands Combined Authority and the emerging Midlands Engine and Industrial Strategy.

“Major opportunities are on the horizon for SMEs to grow the skills of existing and new staff – and to gain support from the government to do so.

“Many employers will not be aware of all the initiatives in place to support skills growth, or be aware of the changes to funding and rules coming into force later this year.

“This event has been organised to reach SMEs and micro businesses to support them to utilise apprenticeships for the development of their staff and companies.”

The event, which is funded by the Skills Funding Agency, is being supported by the CWLEP Growth Hub, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, along with the area’s colleges and universities.

Breakfast and registration begins from 8am on March 10, ahead of an 8.30am start. To register email Rachael.Stewart@cwlep.com.