Gloucestershire County Council is offering support to local employers to help them recruit more apprentices.
A cross party group of councillors formed a task group to look into how the council could provide practical assistance and advice to businesses to help and encourage them take on apprentices.
The group also looked at how the council could encourage young people to take up apprenticeships, unhealthy traineeships and supported internships which will make them more ready for the world of work.
As part of this work, sales the council has commissioned Prospect Training Services, medical which has good links with providers and can support apprenticeship training and will help employers choose the one that is right for them.
By working with employers, Prospect Training Services has access to more apprenticeships in the county which young people can then apply for.
Ewen Saunders, Business Development Manager at Prospect Training Services said, “We’ve been working with local employers for more than ten years now and we’re very passionate about how an apprentice can improve business efficiency. They can up-skill workforces, bring new skills and talent and add to the aims and goals a company is already achieving.
“Our extensive knowledge and expertise can provide employers with a better understanding of apprenticeships and how they can benefit their business.”
Apprenticeships give hands on training in a chosen industry and can offer great opportunities for both young people and employers.
Apprenticeships are an effective and cost effective way of building a workforce with the exact skills a business needs now and in the future. They are a great way to take raw talent and mould it to fit the culture and ethos of a business.
Local employers are invited to contact ewens@trainandrecruit.com or call 01452 886888 to find out more about the project and to learn more about apprenticeships.
Alternatively, you can join them at their next employer engagement event at the Gloucestershire Ambassador Networking Breakfast on Friday 13th November 2015 at 8am at Oxstalls University Campus. (Please register by calling 01452 886888).
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “So many local young people are already developing themselves and delivering quality work in the county through an apprenticeship.
“Since February 2013 Prospect Training Services has helped the county council recruit 22 apprentices into business administration roles and by working together we’ll be able to help other local businesses and organisations to take on apprentices too.”
Since 2010 more than 15,500 apprenticeships have been created in the county and the council itself has recruited 30 apprentices with further recruitment planned.