Apprenticeship hub to help create a bigger and better regional economy

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has unveiled plans to create 300 new apprenticeships in the region through a new Apprenticeship Hub.

The hub will launch later this year as a two-year pilot. It will be a one-stop shop for businesses, apprentices and anyone hoping to start an apprenticeship.

It will provide help for businesses (SMEs in particular) to access technical talent across the region to tackle skills shortages.

And there will be information, advice and guidance services to apprentices, parents and employers.

It will also offer progression pathways and opportunities into and out of high-quality Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships.

The hub will help support development of a public sector approach to apprenticeships, including flexi-job apprenticeships.

It is expected to deliver at least 300 new apprenticeships by 2026.

Coppard said: “South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy.

“But if we’re going to get there, and if everyone is going to be able to access the jobs and opportunities that new economy will bring, we need make sure people have the right education and skills.

“That’s what this new Apprenticeship Hub is all about; offering people, organisations and businesses a ‘one-stop shop’ for all the information and support they need to get the right skills, in the right place, so we can all benefit from a better, bigger South Yorkshire economy.”

The hub will be based at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority offices in Sheffield, and will be delivered through the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership.

Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, said: “Developing skills, talent and creativity in people of all ages will open up exciting prospects and help to drive forward our local economies.

“Apprenticeships go a long way in fulfilling this ambition. The new Apprenticeship Hub will help to support local people, organisations and businesses across South Yorkshire, finding opportunities so everyone can fulfil their learning potential, helping them build the skills they need to get into work and progress their careers.”