Apprenticeships aim to drive-up sector specific skills

Businesses across the Marches are being encouraged to steer the next generation of talent by helping to drive-up sector specific skills through the recruitment of 3,000 apprentices.

The call comes during National Apprenticeship Week and as part of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) continued investment in ensuring skilled and flexible workforces across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

To date, it has invested £5.7 million in a range of projects to increase the number of apprenticeships across the region. 

Case study: Arctic Circle

And by 2021 it aims to have delivered more than 3,000 new apprenticeship starts across the Marches with investment through the Growth Deal.

Gill Hamer, Marches LEP director, said apprenticeships offered multiple benefits to businesses but in particular they played a significant role in enhancing sector-specific skills.

She said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for businesses to fill skills gaps within their workforce and maintain their competitive edge.

Case study: Marches Centre for Manufacturing & Technology

“For the last 18 months we, alongside key partners, have been working with companies across various sectors to increase apprentices in the workplace and all have seen positive results and a significant return on investment.

“For business owners, the mix of on-site and off-site work and training undertaken by apprentices means their workforce is developing the skills that work best for their business.

“It’s a very cost-effective way to boost productivity and efficiency within a business but can also help businesses to develop a more flexible and diverse workforce.”

You can contact the LEP by emailing enquiries@marcheslep.org.uk