Businesses, apprentices and training providers are being encouraged to get involved during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from Monday 14 March until Friday 18 March.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Made by Apprentices’ and how apprentices can ‘Rise to the Top’ which is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution that apprentices make to the workplace, the excellent opportunities locally as well as some of the impressive products and services delivered in the County.
Worcestershire’s apprentices, alongside their employers, are being invited to get involved through social media by Tweeting a picture or video of themselves with items they have made or services they have provided with the hashtag #MadeByApprentices or #NAW2016 to join the national conversations. #WorcsApprentice should also be added for messages of support for apprenticeships within the County.
Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to work, earn and learn and gain qualifications for a future career, however, there are many benefits to hiring an apprentice for example, to tackle a skills shortage in the business, bring ideas and grow talent within the company, reduce recruitment costs, increase productivity and the bottom line and, therefore, provide a financial return on investment.
Worcestershire currently has 10,000 people participating in an apprenticeship programme and is committed to increasing the excellent opportunities available locally. Companies are being encouraged to access the wealth of information available at www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk and use the Pledge-o-meter to make a commitment regarding their future workforce as well as find out more about entering the WorldSkills UK Skills Competition 2016 to potentially gain recognition for current placements.
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to celebrate the excellent local apprenticeship placements, with over 10,000 local people participating in an apprenticeship programme, as well as an ideal opportunity to consider growing your workforce with apprentices.
“There are lots of events this week and a wealth of support available. I would encourage Worcestershire businesses to visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk and pledge their support as well as consider entering the World Skills UK Competition 2016.”
Cllr Dr Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure said: “I have long advocated the value of apprenticeships. Ross Brawn and Ron Dennis, both Principals of some of the biggest teams in motor racing, and now multi-millionaires, started their careers as apprentices.”
“By hiring apprentices, employers offer young people invaluable knowledge and experience for their careers, and help to develop and maximise the potential of their own workforce and colleagues. Apprentices can add so much to the workplace, and make a huge contribution to driving Worcestershire’s economy, now and in the future.”
For local events
For more information about apprenticeships and for events based in Worcestershire during Apprenticeship Week, visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website at www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk.
For regional events
A regional Apprenticeship Employer Conference is also being held on 17 March 2016 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. For further information and to register for the event, visit the event website.