Partnership pledge to boost apprenticeships

 

 

 

To seal this pledge and launch their campaign the two organisations are jointly writing to Southend employers explaining the assistance on offer to them in recruiting apprentices. 

Council Leader Councillor Nigel Holdcroft and Vic Grimes Divisional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service have ceremonially signed an advisory letter to companies.

They did so at the new London Southend Airport terminal - in recognition of the fact the airport is a strong supporter of apprenticeships.

Later they visited Prospects College and ATC Lasham where they met those currently undertaking apprenticeships. 

The National Apprenticeship Service can in many cases fund up to 100 per cent of training costs, and businesses may also be eligible for a grant of up to £1,500, towards the apprentice's salary.  

Businesses will be supported throughout the process by both the Council and the National Apprenticeship Service. 

This includes help in finding a college or training provider, help with planning and delivering the full apprenticeship framework, and with advertising and recruiting apprentices.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council leader, Councillor Nigel Holdcroft said: "It is vital that we do all we can to encourage Southend firms to consider taking on apprentices. 

"Apprentices bring all round benefits by boosting businesses, while also helping train the next generation workforce with the specific skills required locally, and creating much-needed jobs. 

"We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, and urge as many employers as possible to respond to the letter we are sending." 

Divisional Director for National Apprenticeship Service, Vic Grimes said: "The National Apprenticeship Service focuses on increasing the number of apprentices in England.  

"We work with employers such as London Southend Airport to help them introduce apprentices into their businesses, help those looking to start their careers find an Apprenticeship opportunity and contribute towards the costs of the training and qualifications within an Apprenticeship.  

"We work with a wide range of partners to help design the frameworks for apprentices and we implement all Government policies aimed at improving the quality and quantity of Apprenticeships.                                 

"There are more than 200 different types of Apprenticeships available offering over 1,200 job roles, ranging from accountancy to textiles, engineering to veterinary nursing, business administration to construction.  

"Apprenticeships provide real, measurable business benefits. They bring productive, enthusiastic and loyal people into an organisation and demonstrate a commitment to investing in people."  

London Southend Airport managing director, Alastair Welch said: "With over 500 more staff now employed at the airport, as one of the key drivers for regeneration and growth in the local area, we are looking forward to further growing the number of apprenticeships available at the airport in future."

For more information on how Apprenticeships can be good for your business, please visit: apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers or email our Chelmsford office on samara.ives@apprenticeships.gov.uk or ring Samara on 07717 426917.  

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For more about London Southend Airport visit http://www.southendairport.com/