Cash benefits for apprenticeships revealed

The seminar organised by Stafford Borough Council will show the benefits that apprentices can bring to local firms.

The ‘Apprenticeships for Growth’ event is being staged at the County Showground in March and is aimed at small and medium sized businesses. Speakers include representatives from Staffordshire Providers Association and Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy as well as a local employer and successful apprentice.

One of the benefits follows a new initiative in which small businesses could be in line to receive £1500 for taking on an apprentice aged between 16 and 24 years old.

Councillor Frances Beatty, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at the borough council, said: “It is a great opportunity for employers to find out why they should consider taking on apprentices and help them get over any reluctance they may have. The fact so many organisations are supporting this event demonstrates how important we feel getting young people on apprenticeships is to our economy.”

As well as the borough council, the seminar is being backed by a number of organisations including the county council, Stafford College and The National Apprenticeship Service.

The event is being staged on Thursday 8 March from 9.30 am to 12 noon in the Ingestre Suite of the County Showground. Employers must book with the borough council’s economic development officer, Mary Timmis, to attend the course at mtimmis@staffordbc.gov.uk or 01785 619584 or register at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/apprenticeevent.

Press Release No 4428