As more and more local businesses discover the benefits of hiring an Apprentice, skills training for the young people is being expanded to match.

Employers from across North Staffordshire heard of the growing wave of interest in apprenticeships at a business breakfast at Leek’s Westwood Golf Club hosted by Skillsbase, the dedicated employer services team based at Leek College.
“Apprenticeships are back in vogue with employers and we have seen a huge increase in demand - over the last three years our apprentice numbers have trebled,” Skillsbase Sales and Marketing Manager Mara Hargreaves told the gathering.

Apprentices were working in a far wider range of careers, she continued, and Skillsbase was continuing to expand its training courses, latest additions including laboratory technician, process manufacturing, sales and health and social care.
“We know that Apprentices can very successfully underpin success in all areas of your business,” Mara added.

The event heard from three contrasting businesses who have found that apprentices make a valuable contribution both to day-to-day working and future growth prospects.
David Whitefield, Managing Director of Milton-based estate agents Whitefield Properties, said the Apprenticeship scheme had allowed him to bring three new people into the business and to relieve pressures he was facing.
“My business would not be where it is today if I did not have the support of Skillsbase and the young people I now have on board,” he said.

Alison Cotton, ICT Manager at Staffordshire Housing Association, said hiring an apprentice had helped her team cope with its growing and varied workload.
“Employing an Apprentice brings in young people who are willing to learn and come forward with fresh ideas. There are great benefits for both the employer and the apprentice – these young people can be a real asset in the firm.”
Jeremy Green, Managing Director of Leekbrook-based street furniture manufacturer Falco UK Ltd, told how his three Apprentices were making major achievements. The first had progressed to Level 3 of her studies, another was now on a degree course and the newest recruit, Mark Wain, was acting as Marketing Manager.
“An Apprentice is an asset, not a drain on the company. They are cost effective and they are someone you can mould into the way you want to do things,” said Jeremy.
Apprentice Mark explained that the scheme had given him the opportunity to develop a career and be paid at the same time, avoiding student debt.

Employers at the event, who represented a complete cross-section of business from pharmaceuticals to textiles, were each given a £200 voucher to put towards the cost of booking one of the wide range of staff training courses run by Skillsbase or holding a team building session with the College’s outdoor pursuits team, Upper Limits.

Skillsbase has a team of 32 training specialists to help companies get the best out of their staff, including a complete service of Apprentice selection and support. Call 08456 250 250 or e-mail info@skillsbaseapprentice.co.uk for more information or arrange an informal discussion about opportunities.