Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a valuable route into both work and learning, especially for younger people. Moreover, they also provide a crucial means of tackling the future skills needs of our economy.
However, the number of apprentices employed in the public sector is significantly lower than the number of private sector apprentices. In order to address this discrepancy, the Government pledged, in February 2009, to create 21,000 additional public sector apprenticeship places. On the back of this commitment, town hall leaders have made a pledge of 7,500 apprentice starts this year.
LGA Press Release
In keeping with its traditional role of helping to disseminate information and share good practice, North West Employers is committed to raising awareness about apprenticeships. To this end, we are working with several local authorities to produce detailed case studies showcasing successful apprenticeship models. Please go to the Good Practice Resource Library.
North West Employers is also keen to host events that support the promotion of apprenticeships. On 27 February 2009, in partnership with the North West Regional Leaders’ Board (4NW), we organised the North West Apprentice Conference. On
17 November 2009, in partnership with the IDeA, we organised a national Apprenticeship Summit which saw representatives from all of the regions come together to discuss how the apprenticeship agenda can be further promoted. We also plan to hold another event during National Apprenticeship Week in February 2010.
In addition, North West Employers is working with partners such as the
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). We are currently involved in a joint project to help increase the number of apprentices in the schools’ workforce.
For more information, please contact Tom Goodwin.