Worcestershire firms asked for details of apprenticeship plans
BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are being asked to complete a survey on their apprenticeship plans.
The surveys, which are being run by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire Business Central, are to help various support agencies better understand the needs of employers and what they look for when hiring apprentices.
The study, which should be completed by the end of January, is designed to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the county.
There are two surveys available: One is for companies which currently employ apprentices so that a greater understanding of their experiences can be gained, while the other is for firms who do not currently employ apprentices, or have previously employed apprentices.
The LEP said that over the last three years, there had been a large increase in the number of apprenticeship opportunities in the county. In 2013/2014, Worcestershire saw over 10,000 people actively participating in an apprenticeship programme. This figure is more than four times the number in 2011 and is still rising. There has also been a 21% growth in engineering apprenticeships and a 300% growth in the number of female engineering apprentices.
Peter Pawsey, Executive Chair at Worcestershire LEP, said: “Due to the hard work of young people, schools and businesses, I am pleased to say that the number of people actively participating in an apprenticeship programme now stands at over 10,000, more than four times the number in 2011.
“We know we have some excellent apprenticeship schemes within the county and these achievements were recognised and celebrated at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards in November.
“These surveys are important in understanding the experiences of businesses and what support is needed to further increase apprenticeship opportunities in Worcestershire. I would urge businesses to take a few minutes to complete the survey ahead of the deadline.”
The surveys can be completed at http://www.wlep.co.uk/ and businesses are being asked to do so before the end of January 2015.
