You’re hired!

DRIVING force . . . (from left) former apprentices Melissa Royales, Jeni Wilkes, Nicola Harrison and Adele Buckley, council leader Howard Sykes, Kath Soliman (OTC Training) Mayoress Jean Jones, Graham McKendrick (National Apprenticeships Service), Craig Dean (Web Applications UK), Claire Duggan (Talking Point Operations director), Tony Spencer (Oldham Apprenticeships Alliance) and Rohema Khan (Passport to Employment co-ordinator)

CALLING all Oldham companies — now is your chance to boost the borough’s economy and help create the next generation of skilled workers.

The Oldham Evening Chronicle is championing a new campaign to increase apprenticeships across the borough.

The 100 in 100 Apprenticeships drive aims to encourage businesses to pledge to take on one or more apprentices.

The final aim is to create 100 new apprenticeships in 100 days which in turn will help kickstart Oldham’s economic recovery and give people the chance gain valuable skills, work experience and qualifications. Leading the way is the Oldham Apprenticeship Alliance which consists of The Oldham College, OTC Training, Mantra Learning, Rathbone, and YMCA Training supported by Oldham Council, National Apprenticeship Service and the Chronicle.

The campaign launches today to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week and plans to have 100 new apprenticeship schemes start by May. The coalition Government recently announced £150m of additional funding to help create 50,000 apprenticeship placements nationally and is redirecting funding to increase adult apprenticeships.

The benefits for both businesses and apprentices are many, including the creation of a skilled workforce with recognised qualifications, and establishing sustainable employment in Oldham.

Tony Spencer, chairman of Oldham Apprenticeship Alliance and the 100 in 100 campaign, said: “This campaign is a call to arms for employers. Times are particularly hard but the Government has committed to creating 50,000 apprenticeship places over the next four years for the over-18s. This is a campaign to increase employer awareness about apprenticeships and we hope to get lots of businesses signing up.”

All this week we shall be highlighting successful apprenticeship programmes and revealing case studies of people who have taken on as apprentices and gone on to success in their chosen field.

Whether you are a sole trader or national corporation, sign up to the 100 in 100 campaign, make the pledge, and play your part in creating a bright economic future for Oldham. To sign up call the apprenticeship hotline on 0800-032 7288.