Branson backs launch of “Rossendale and Darwen 100 in 100 Apprenticeship Challenge”
Jake, together with the National Apprenticeship Service, and the Lancashire Work Based Learning Provider Forum are embarking on a significant new initiative to increase the number of Apprenticeships in Rossendale and Darwen and are calling out to local businesses to be part of it!
On February 1st, the ‘100 in 100’ Apprenticeship Challenge will be launched with the aim of local companies recruiting 100 new apprentices in 100 days. The launch event will be held at St Marys Chamber in Rossendale from 5.30pm until 7pm.
Jake, who will officially launch the Apprenticeship Challenge along with local employers and their apprentices said “Apprenticeships are a tremendous opportunity employers and for people of all ages. We tend to think of apprenticeships as for young people but that’s absolutely not the case. Any apprentice can be any age from 16 upwards and can be an existing member of staff. Here in Rossendale and Darwen we’re fortunate to have a great range of high quality training providers, working with employers and keen to do more. So I’d encourage you to take a look at how apprenticeships could benefit your business – whether that’s through your first apprentice, or expanding the range of apprenticeships you operate.”
Jake added, “We have already had great support from local business including: JJO plc; Anglo Recycling and Aquasoft. I have even got backing from Richard Branson during a recent meeting.”
Sue Price, Regional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the North said;
“Support of local businesses is vital if we are going to hit our target. We need highly respected companies to talk about experiences of employing apprentices or, if businesses do not currently do so, to look again at the skills development benefits to your organisation of taking on apprentices”.
The launch event planned will be an opportunity for local businesses can learn from employers who have recently taken on apprentices, and from employers for whom apprentices are central to their business model. There will also be information about the costs, timescales and the next steps, The National Apprenticeship Service and local training providers will be on hand to help you recruit and set up your Apprenticeships.
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