National Apprenticeship Week - record apprenticeship numbers in Hexham and the North East

All week we have been backing and employers, apprentices and supporters during this weeks National Apprenticeship Week from 9 to 13 March 2015. This has involved meetings with Egger and Rolls Royce, other employers, schools, and new successful SMEs like the Pudding Parlour in Hexham.
I have spent time promoting the wide range of local apprenticeships on offer and the positive impact that they have on businesses and young people.

Latest figures that show apprenticeship starts have more than doubled in Northumberland from 2,100 in 2010 to over 4000; in the Hexham constituency, 670 young people started an apprenticeship last year compared to just 320 a decade ago in 2005/6. In the wider North East the apprenticeship numbers are going from strength to strength.

Packages of financial support exist to support businesses to take on an apprentice to help provide traineeships or work experience for young people. These packages are worth over £1500 in grants, and the government have made it much easier to have an apprentice. 
I am proud to have led the way by employing an apprentice throughout this parliament. 

Why does your small business not have an apprentice?

It is national apprenticeship week, designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The objectives of National Apprenticeship Week 2014 are to:

• Increase awareness, understanding and demand for Apprenticeships.
• Celebrate Apprenticeship talent, skills, achievements and successes.
• Promote all Apprenticeship levels and progression routes, including Traineeships.

The overarching theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2014 is:

Great Apprenticeships

“Great Businesses” are made by apprentices and Apprenticeships lead to“Great Prospects.”

It is about demonstrating that Apprenticeships are great for businesses, personal careers and creating opportunities for both employers and apprentices.

I have hired, trained and then retained an apprentice. It is a great thing to do and it will help your business. The government have made this process easy, pain free (for both of you) and it will save your business money.
If you are thinking about it as an employer go here: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/employers.aspx