Leeds LEP apprenticeship hub programme works with 1,000 SMEs

One thousand SMEs have signed up to take on an apprentice through the Leeds City Region

Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Apprenticeship Hub Programme.

The programme, which launched just last year, provides free and independent advice to SMEs who want to find out about the benefits and practical steps involved in recruiting an apprentice.

The hubs are based in Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Wakefield and York.

The programme also includes two apprenticeship training agencies (ATAs) in Leeds and Bradford.

Roger Marsh, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way of growing your business and developing new talent at the same time. The LEP is committed to encouraging more SMEs to train apprentices which will in turn drive economic growth, tackle skills shortages and improve career prospects for young people across the region.

“Our Apprenticeship Hubs Programme is active across the entire City Region and ready to support employers to take the first step in opening up their employment opportunities. We are delighted that 1,000 SMEs in the region have already benefitted from this support and we urge more to follow suit to realise their own potential.”