Partner Article

Apprentices benefit North East firms

82% of people in the North East are more likely to use a business if it offers Apprenticeships to young people, according to new research.

The research, which was carried out by YouGov on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service, asked a sample of consumers in the North East what factors they considered when buying products or services. It found that people are just as keen to buy from a company that supports young people by employing an apprentice as they are from a firm that has fair trade agreements with its suppliers (77%), or one that has strong environmental credentials (74%).

As well as highlighting the potential business benefits of employing an apprentice, the research also shows local consumers’ support for young job seekers, with 92% of people in the North East stating that they think it is important for companies to take on apprentices during the recession.

John Wayman, Regional Director from the National Apprenticeship Service said: “These results prove that there are definite business advantages for companies in the North East that take on apprentices.

“It’s great that supporting young people is just as important to the area’s consumers as environmental and fair trade credentials when it comes to buying products or services. But this isn’t the only benefit that hiring an apprentice can bring to a business. We know from previous research that 80% of employers agree that apprentices make their workplace more productive.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .