He said: “Right now they’re a good thing because businesses have financial restrictions upon them. They want to grow but maybe they can’t afford another fulltime member of staff. Young people in their part need as much help as they can get. “I say to people in business ‘how many of you were given a break or a chance?’ and a lot of them raise their hands and when I ask the same people ‘how many
of you have given someone a break or a chance?’ a lot of them put their hands down. “Most of us were given a chance at some point and apprenticeships are a good way of giving young people a break, especially in this climate. They can add value to the bottom line of a business and you can boost their morale by giving them their break.” Gary said that it was important to remember that you can’t just take advantage of people because they’re cost effective. “If they are adding value to your business it must be rewarded not taken advantage of. I am a big fan of apprenticeships but it’s all about getting the right person for your business so they can add real value to your business while they are learning.” Peter adds: “An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme for an employee who gains a nationally recognised qualification. Nationwide, more than 100,000 employers, in more than 160,000 workplaces currently use apprenticeships to attract new talent, reskill existing staff and tackle their skills shortages.” There are more than 250 different types of apprenticeship frameworks
covering 1,400 job roles ranging from accountancy to textiles, engineering to veterinary nursing, business administration to construction. Sussex Downs College has seen a huge growth in its number of apprentices since it launched a programme. Chandra Fifield, spokesperson for the college, said: “Since launching its apprenticeships programme in 2006 with just 42 students, work-based learning at the college has swelled dramatically. Fast-forward to 2013 and the College is now training 700 apprentices in partnership with local employers across a variety of industries. “As well as providing local businesses with skills-ready workers, the college is encouraging employers to create new apprenticeship vacancies through its campaign, The Big Conversation. Officially launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable, the initiative aims to provide meaningful job opportunities for young people.” For further information about LEAP Visit www.yourleap.co.uk By Liza Laws
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