Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 19
“THERE ARE TANGIBLE BENEFITS FROM TAKING ON
APPRENTICES AND WE JUST WANT TO GIVE BUSINESSES
IN THIS AREA AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE”
regeneration of skills in this area, and that’s best
done with Apprenticeships.
“We’re inviting employers to come in. We’ll
ask those interested to sign a pledge, which
is a commitment from them to supply
Apprenticeships.
“In return, we’re looking to be a one-stop-shop
for businesses. We can put them in touch with
the funding organisations that will be able
to supply grants towards Apprenticeships.
We have people on site who can advise on
the range of funding that’s available and we’ll
complete the funding paperwork for them.
“We have learners ready to go into
Apprenticeships, so employers will have a
chance to look at the learners, they can talk to
them and interview them. If they want to, they
can take learners on job trials. They could even
take half a dozen learners on trial and pick the
best ones.
“For those who haven’t taken on Apprentices
before we can provide employers with mentors
to help look after the Apprentices which will
help with their transition into their workplace.
“In return for taking on Apprentices, we’re
also offering employers reduced rates for any
commercial work that we provide.
When we talked to employers they cited
the above reasons for them not employing
apprentices- these are the barriers that have
hindered them. We’re offering firms help to
overcome those barriers.
”
There are proven benefits from taking on
Apprentices - independent research shows
businesses get improved products or services,
new ideas being introduced to the organisation,
higher staff morale and loyalty by recruiting
young staff. Statistics provided by the National
Apprenticeship Service (NAS) also claim 96%
of employers that take on an Apprentices
report benefits to their business, and 72% of
businesses report improved productivity.
Trevor added: “There are tangible benefits from
taking on Apprentices and we just want to give
businesses in this area as much information as
possible.
“It