Businesses challenged to take on more apprentices

THE 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge has begun today.

The National Apprenticeship Service, in partnership with 20 local colleges and training providers, are challenging local businesses to increase the number of Apprenticeships in Yorkshire and the Humber over these 100 days.

The National Apprenticeship Service is the driving force behind this regional campaign, which is encouraging as many employers as possible to get involved before July.

Apprenticeships have been going from strength to strength within with more than 60,000 people started an apprenticeship in Yorkshire and the Humber last year, but more are still needed.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service, skills shortages and recruitment difficulties are just some of the barriers businesses face.

Apprenticeships offer a route to the fresh new talent businesses need, ensuring they have staff with real skills and real qualifications they require now and in the future.

This new initiative, which can be for new recruits and existing staff, will support business to find the right Apprenticeship for their needs and put them in contact with a Training Provider that will work in partnership with them.

Anthony Knowles, head of Employer Accounts for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with so many colleges and training providers on this exciting new campaign.  The support of local businesses is vital if we are going to grow the skills base of our regional economy.

“It will provide some much needed new opportunities for young people and by agreeing to take on an apprentice, employers are not only supporting their local community but they are also making a good business decision to grow their own talented workforce.

“I would urge all employers to look at their current and future recruitment needs to see if there is somewhere they could take on an apprentice.”