Client Releases
GREATER MANCHESTER BUSINESSES URGED TO SAY ‘YES TO APPRENTICESHIPS’
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is urging more local businesses to say ‘Yes to Apprenticeships’ after recent statistics have shown that employers in the region are changing their attitudes when it comes to hiring apprentices over graduates.
The survey, involving 1,000 businesses and commissioned by the Chamber, has shown that 74 per cent of local bosses are now seeing the value of real on-the-job training as a viable alternative to the traditional academic routes received in lecture theatres.
The ‘Yes to Apprenticeships’ campaign offers employers a free recruitment service along with a large pool of suitable candidates to choose from, including those looking to avoid the rising costs of university fees by choosing a vocational training route.
The campaign is looking to involve employers across myriad sectors, including business, marketing, financial services, construction, engineering and hairdressing. Statistics from the recent survey show that bosses in these key sectors, who have taken on apprentices, were impressed by the standard of candidates, with over half of those surveyed pleasantly surprised at the quality and usefulness of the trainees entering their businesses.
Apprenticeships are suitable for all ages and employers don’t need to take on new candidates to reap the benefits as existing members of staff can also be placed on apprenticeship training, allowing employees to ‘up-skill’ in areas such as team leadership and business.
For those looking to take on an apprentice, new wage incentives starting from £1,500 per candidate may be available to employers in the region and training is completely Government funded for 16-18 year olds, something that 65 per cent of bosses in the survey were completely unaware of.
Speaking about the campaign, Sarah Turner, business development manager for apprenticeship at the Chamber, said: “The ‘Yes to Apprenticeships’ campaign is all about getting more local employers across Greater Manchester to open their minds and businesses to eager and bright candidates.
“University fees are on the increase and many potential students and employers are now beginning to look into alternative training options. A university degree does not guarantee you a job, which unfortunately many graduates are now discovering. An apprenticeship however, offers qualifications, money while you train and a real career at the end of the process.
“The survey also uncovered high levels of career progression and longevity for those embarking on an apprenticeship, with 67 per cent of local employers promoting their apprentices to management positions.
“We offer a complete support system for all employers, fully screening and interviewing potential candidates for roles, resulting in the only highest calibre applicants being put forward for interview. Our commitment doesn’t stop at recruitment either; once the candidate is placed, we will be there for the employer and employee at every stage of their learning journey.”
With a database of over 3,000 pre-assessed candidates seeking jobs, there has never been a better time for businesses in Greater Manchester to get involved with the ‘Yes to Apprenticeships’ campaign.
Businesses that want to learn more about recruiting an apprentice through the ‘Yes to Apprenticeships’ campaign should visit www.gmchamber.co.uk/yes or email info@yestoapprenticeships.co.uk
