You’re not fired – apprentice success

More than 25 businesses have answered the Coventry and Warwickshire 100 in 100 campaign call to take on an apprentice.

The Local Enterprise Partnership has teamed up with the National Apprenticeship Service and training providers with the aim of seeing 100 people win jobs with 100 companies in local industry.

The campaign, announced at the recent LEP regional conference, started on November 1 is now a quarter of the way to its target.

Denys Shortt, chair of the LEP, said he was confident the campaign would reach its target after such a promising start.

“We are encouraged after less than two weeks and are sure that the numbers will continue to grow,” said Shortt who runs DCS Europe in Stratford Upon Avon.

“Obviously companies do not take a serious step such as taking on a member of staff without considerable thought so we know that a number will be mulling the idea over  and will be coming forward in the next few weeks.

“The companies are across a wide range of sectors and that is really encouraging.

“Improving the skills of the workforce in Coventry and Warwickshire is one of the key aims of the LEP, and this push to see 100 people introduced or reintroduced into the working environment will be a considerable step forward.

“No-one who heard from the apprentices and their employers at our conference could have failed to be impressed at their experiences.

“I would urge companies to look closely at the possibility of joining the campaign.”

The LEP has followed its own advice by taking on two apprentices to work on the creation of the web portal and general marketing and administration.

For further information on Apprenticeships please go to the National Apprenticeship Service Website www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.

Any company or organisation considering taking on a new apprentice should register an interest by contacting either Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training (024 76 237249) or North Warwickshire & Hinckley College 024 76 243030.

JulieMulryan, of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We have made the process as easy as possible and masses of information, help and support is on tap for anyone who wants to find out more about the campaign or apprentices in general.

“We have had some great leads from the LEP conference and more and more are coming in as people pick up on the campaign.

“Apprentices can be used in all sectors of industry and commerce – from retail to engineering and from leisure to construction – and anyone interested in developing the talent inside their organisation should get in touch.”