Local businesses embrace Apprenticeships
Sir Nick Harvey to launch Apprenticeship Showcase event: photo opportunity
PRESS RELEASE
24 February 2014
More people in North Devon and Torridge started an Apprenticeship programme than the rest of the South West, according to figures published in The Northern Devon Skills Report.
Over the past three years, the number of people taking on apprentices in the area has grown by 15% and small businesses are responsible for much of this growth.
Of the 1395 apprentices that started last year more than half were with small employers, some taking on their first employee.
Sarah Grigg, Employment and Skills Manager at North Devon+ said: “This is not only fantastic news for the economy of North Devon, but brilliant news for the young people who are gaining the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.”
“We attribute the success of the Apprenticeship programme to local businesses in particular, especially to those employers with less than ten employees – they are at the heart of the rural economy and by taking on an apprentice they are nurturing skills and ensuring that talent remains in this area.”
National Apprenticeship Week takes place across England in the first week of March and this will be followed by an Apprenticeship Showcase event in North Devon – aimed at employers, young people and parents.
This is the fourth year of the event, which will provide a host of expertise, guidance from industry experts and activities and will take place on Thursday 13 March at the Barnstaple Hotel.
Terry Schofield, managing director at MJM Sports, came along to the Apprenticeship Showcase last year to find out about taking on an apprentice for the family business. Terry explains: “I am looking to develop a young management team going forward, so there are good progression opportunities.”
Sir Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon, said: “Whilst Apprenticeships are open to all age groups, they offer a particularly important career path for our local young people. With funding and increased variety available, there has never been a better time for small businesses that are recruiting to consider offering an Apprenticeship.”
The Apprenticeships Showcase event will take place from 8am on Thursday 13 March at the Barnstaple Hotel. Visit www.ndapprenticeships.co.uk for further details.
Ends
PHOTOCALL WITH SIR NICK HARVEY
A photo opportunity has been organised in Ilfracombe with Sir Nick Harvey, small businesses and their apprentices to launch National Apprenticeships Week and the North Devon Apprenticeships Showcase event. Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend - if you are interested, please contact sgrigg@northdevonplus.co.uk
• Date: Friday 28 February
• Time: 11am – 1.00pm
• Location: The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
Notes to Editors
For more information regarding this press release contact: Emma Parker Reynolds at Coast on 07944 360631
07944 36063107944 36063107944 360631 or the Coast main office on 01752 84713501752 84713501752 84713501752 847135.
About North Devon+
North Devon+ is the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge. We aim to deliver positive change, creating a more productive economy and more prosperous communities. Our role is to ensure our area thrives as a place in which to live, learn, work and visit. Our primary focus is on regeneration, tourism and business development. We work with Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, Devon County Council and the private sector to deliver projects and initiatives that encourage and support business growth, improve quality of life, and address social and economic inequalities. North Devon+ is a member of the National Enterprise Network. To find out more visit www.northdevonplus.co.uk
About the Skills Survey
The Northern Devon Skills Report has been produced by North Devon+ with funding from Leader 4, with academic partners SERIO at Plymouth University, on behalf of the Northern Devon Employment & Skills Board (ESB).
341 local businesses took part in the survey, which has been supported by the North Devon Manufacturing Association, The Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, demonstrating a high level of interest in local skills.
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Notes to Editors
For more information regarding this press release contact: Emma Parker Reynolds at Coast on 07944 36063107944 36063107944 36063107944 360631 or the Coast main office on 01752 84713501752 84713501752 84713501752 847135.
CallSend SMSAdd to SkypeYou'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype
CallSend SMSAdd to SkypeYou'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype
About North Devon
North Devon is the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge. We aim to deliver positive change, creating a more productive economy and more prosperous communities. Our role is to ensure our area thrives as a place in which to live, learn, work and visit. Our primary focus is on regeneration, tourism and business development. We work with Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, Devon County Council and the private sector to deliver projects and initiatives that encourage and support business growth, improve quality of life, and address social and economic inequalities. North Devon is a member of the National Enterprise Network. To find out more visit www.northdevonplus.co.uk
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