Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
6 Feb 2012
The biggest drive to encourage firms to take on apprentices is due to begin, with more than 500 events across the UK and pledges of hundreds of new training places.
Preparations are well underway for National Apprenticeship Week 2012, taking place from 6 to 10 February 2012. The Week has been a tremendous success over the last four years and ministers say it will be the biggest event of its kind, with firms across a range of industries promising to offer Apprenticeships.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said the Government was prioritising investment in Apprenticeships, leading to record numbers of places combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.
Skillset, the sector skills council for the creative industries, in partnership with the National Apprenticeships Service, pledged to work with 300 businesses in industries such as fashion, media and design to deliver 500 Apprenticeships, with the first places set to be offered in September. Many of these businesses are small firms who will be able to apply to the Government for an incentive payment of £1,500 to take on their first apprentice in 2012/13.
Mr Cable said: "I am very proud of the fact that at a time of financial constraint this Government has prioritised investment in Apprenticeships. This has led to the creation of record numbers of Apprenticeships combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.
"Apprenticeships are at the centre of the Government's skills policy because we know that they work. Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses' profits and drive growth in the wider economy."
National Apprenticeship Week is the time when all eyes are on Apprenticeships and it’s all about raising the profile amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media. Everyone with an interest in Apprenticeships across the country is encouraged to get involved in the Week.
This could range from running and promoting your own National Apprenticeship Week themed event/activity, or by visiting one of the many events that will be taking place in your local region during the Week.