Making things happen
Mark Andrews, chief executive at NG Bailey,
with apprentice Kayleigh Lockhart
More Yorkshire and the Humber employers and businesses are being urged to provide Apprenticeships to people across the region, according to the LSC, which launched National Apprenticeship Week on the 23rd of February 2009.
This week aims to highlight the essential role that Apprenticeships play in today’s business world and the many benefits they can bring to companies operating across a broad range of sectors. A current shortage of Apprenticeship places being offered by employers coincides with findings from the LSC, which reveal that 76 per cent of businesses in the region, claim that apprentices are more important than ever during the current economic downturn.
Two-thirds (61 per cent) of companies in Yorkshire and Humber claim that apprentices have helped make their business more competitive, whilst a staggering 82 per cent rely on their apprentices to provide them with the skilled workers needed for the future.
The findings also highlight how Apprenticeships are critical to ensuring that businesses have the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive in a downturn and help stimulate the region’s future, long-term economic growth. A further 89 per cent of businesses across the region believe that apprentices have helped increase overall productivity within the work place.
Gary Rae, regional head of marketing and
communications at the LSC, with apprentices
from NG Bailey, Complete Computer Systems
and the LSC
Dispelling myths surrounding Apprenticeships will occupy a big focus during National Apprenticeship Week, with the wider business community and would-be apprentices unaware that schemes are available across a diverse range of sectors that span the breadth of the economy. From traditional blue-collar roles to sectors ranging from accountancy and engineering, to construction, catering, creative industries and sport – today’s Apprenticeships cover an extremely broad spectrum.
For public and private sector employers hoping to provide Apprenticeships, funding is available from the LSC. The size of the contribution varies from £1,500-£3,000 up to £10,000-£15,000 depending on the sector and the age of the candidate, but the funding is vital for many companies having to cut budgets in the current climate.
Margaret Coleman, regional director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: ‘Apprenticeship Week aims to address the shortage of employers who are able to provide places to people in the region, particularly in light of the many benefits Apprenticeships can deliver and the funding available.’
'Apprenticeship Week 2009 is the beginning of a long-term campaign to urge more employers to engage in Apprenticeships and learn more about how they can enable them to nurture a highly skilled and talented workforce – something that is fundamental to their future business productivity and growth.'
Further information on how employers can find out more about Apprenticeships is available by phoning
08000 150 600 or by logging on to www.apprenticeships.org.uk
