Could Your Business Benefit from an Apprentice?

Durham County Council has organised an information session designed to make local employers aware of the benefits of taking on apprentices.

A joint event between Durham County Council and the National Apprenticeship Service will take place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Durham City on February 28 and all local employers are welcome. The event will feature talks from businesses who have already taken on apprentices and information on the many benefits they have seen as a result. Employers will hear first-hand about the wage and training incentives available for taking on apprentices as well as the scheme which sees apprentices ‘shared’ between more than one business.

Starting at 8:00am, attendees will hear talks from three local SMEs who have already seen the advantages from taking on apprentices; Electrical Services North East, Middleton Design and Altec Engineering. This is followed by a drop in session between 9:00am and 10:00am where employers will have the opportunity to network and discuss the opportunities with other attendees. During this informal session, employers have the opportunity to raise questions specific to their business needs to ensure they get the best advice on the help, support and grant assistance on offer.

David Steel of Altec Engineering said: “I would encourage all local employers to come along to the event to learn more about the benefits of taking on apprentices. I look forward to sharing our experience of how the incentives offered by the council and the National Apprenticeship Service made taking on an apprentice easy and provided a boost for our business.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member said: “The county has a high number of young and long term unemployed people so we are proud to lead the way in encouraging local employers to take on apprentices. The council is committed to working with the National Apprenticeship Service to show local businesses that, with the help and support we can offer, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice.”

If you would like to book a place on the session and find out more about apprenticeships, the benefits they can bring to your company and the funding available, please contact Michelle Lamb from Durham County Council’s Employability Team on m.lamb@durham.gov.uk or 03000 262009.

Employers who are unable to make the session but would still like further information are also invited to get in touch as the council is also happy to come out and visit businesses to discuss taking on an apprentice.