Boost for firms to take on apprentice

The team offer impartial, no-obligation advice about the benefits of taking on apprentices and answer queries from employers. They identify where an apprentice could fit in and which areas would suit their work.

The hub also acts as a point of contact for local schools and colleges, and can work with them to match students with employers and obtain funding for their training. Care is taken to ensure candidates are the right fit for the company.

The advice team are keen to work with more small and medium-sized firms which have not taken on apprentices before, and update their owners on changes to the National Apprenticeship Programme which could make it easier to recruit.

Heckmondwike-based engineering firm 600 UK are one of the 376 businesses that the hub has helped over the last three years, and the relationship has led to 431 new apprentices being employed.

Sales director Howard Bamforth said:“The Apprenticeship Hub was a huge support when it came to our decision to take on an apprentice in the new area of the company. They were invaluable and saved us a huge amount of time and effort in cutting through the red tape and finding the right person for our business.”

Email [email protected] to find out more or contact 01484 422100.