Member Article

Rise in apprenticeships at north east companies

Despite difficult economic conditions, a north east training provider has seen an 80% rise in apprenticeships being offered by local businesses compared to this time last year.

Gateshead-based Access Training currently has 45 live apprenticeship vacancies. The firm also reports a record number of applicants applying for posts. Two hundred and 46 applications have been received so far this month which is a level of interest not seen by the company since mid-2010.

Managing director, Malcolm Armstrong, believes the increase in apprenticeships is partly due to the extension of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) which awards companies £1,500 for taking on a 16-24 year old apprentice.

Malcolm comments: “Employers are looking for cost effective ways to develop their businesses and the grant has given us something concrete to offer these companies that are keen to grow.

“I believe our interest from learners is up mainly because young people are fearful of student debt so many are turning to apprenticeships as an alternative to sixth form or university. This is good news for employers because the calibre of apprentices is rising. The quality and quantity of some of our recent vacancies has also been attractive. If we have good employers offering good positions, this always helps,” he said.

The AGE 16 to 24 grant is aimed at helping employers to offer young people employment through the apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist them in recruiting a young apprentice. Businesses interested in hearing about the grant and taking on an apprentice should contact Donna Barker at Access on 0191 490 4646.

Access Training launched a short pre-apprenticeship course called Access to Careers earlier this year. This was in response to what it considered a gap in the market for training provision that supports young people who want an apprenticeship but don’t meet the required standard. The course helps young people to identify and prepare for apprenticeships by improving their applications and interview techniques.

People can apply for the current apprenticeships vacancies on line at www.accesstraining.org.uk , via Connexions or www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Access Training is based on the Team Valley and is the only training provider in Tyne and Wear to achieve the prestigious Training Quality Standard (TQS).

For more information contact Access Training on 0191 490 4646 or email info@accesstraining.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jill Farmer (Dobson) .