Apprenticeship campaign launches in Wiltshire (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Apprenticeship campaign launches in Wiltshire

9:28am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Staff reporter

Wiltshire Council and partners are launching a campaign to help businesses understand the benefits of apprenticeships to their companies.

They have pledged to create 1,000 additional apprenticeships in Wiltshire businesses by July 2013, including having 100 businesses take on their first apprentice.

Two events are being held to launch the campaign on October 9 in City Hall, Salisbury and October 11 at Lackham College, Chippenham both from 5.30pm to 8pm. The events will be an opportunity for all types of business to find out how they could profit by taking on an apprentice.

There will be information at the event about businesses already employing apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Service, which funds apprenticeships, will explain what grants may be available while training providers and the Sector Skills Councils will explain what types of apprenticeships would best suit a businesses' needs.

Through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) Grant, the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) has earmarked £247,500 towards the Wiltshire campaign so that businesses employing less than 1,000 staff can receive £1,500 per apprentice aged 16-24 they take on (up to a maximum of 10).

Fleur de Rhe Philipe, cabinet member for economy, said: “In the last few years Wiltshire employers have really stepped up to the plate to develop apprenticeship opportunities across the county and we want that enthusiasm to continue.

"Apprenticeships are key to economic growth and with the cash incentives on offer for eligible businesses and support from the Wiltshire Apprenticeships Campaign partners, we see this as a win-win situation for our businesses and hope that as many businesses as possible will commit to take on an apprentice as soon as possible.”

For more information and a booking form for the events contact Kathy Geraghty, (01225) 718486, Wiltshire.apprenticeships@wiltshire.gov.uk.

For information about employing apprentices and the AGE grant contact Sally Timmins, NAS - 07796 611991, Sally.timmins@apprenticeships.gov.uk