Drive for apprentices

LOCAL business and skills organisations are supporting the tenth annual National Apprenticeship Week with events and publicity.

Apprenticeships now cover many sectors and include degree-level courses in professions such as accountancy.

Big changes are under way this spring with the new apprentice levy and training reforms. The levy will paid by major firms but all employers, large and small, are can benefit from funding support towards apprenticeships and a more tailored, flexible training system to meet the needs of individual businesses.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, which recently opened a new business lounge at Oldham College, is highlighting how companies are using apprentices and encouraging more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a good career.

Joy Sewart, the chamber's head of skills development, said: "Having placed over 1,300 apprentices with businesses across Greater Manchester, we have gained first-hand experience of the rich tapestry of benefits apprentices bring to the workplace.

Skills

"We would encourage all employers who are considering taking on an apprentice to get in touch with our skills team for further details."

Any business wondering if an apprenticeship programme could help fill a skill gap in their business can contact the chamber's skills team for more details. Email: skills@gmchamber.co.uk or call 0161 393 4349

Oldham College is this week highlighting the achievements of past and present apprentices at events for students and employers.

These include an apprenticeship challenge tomorrow lunchtime in the college's common room, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, when four apprentices will taking on four advisers in a fun 'battle of wits'.

On Thursday, from 11am-3pm, an information event at the common room will highlight careers and training courses that students and apprentices progress to.

Other activities include construction apprentices decorating the college's Job Shop, which connects students and local employers with a range of services including help with recruitment and interviews.