The 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week takes place this month between 3rd and 9th February. This year’s theme is ‘Look Beyond’ – celebrating the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across the UK.
Closer to home, Eden District Council supports apprenticeships in the area all year round, through its Eden Apprenticeship Scheme.
The popular scheme is open to businesses in Eden – and can offer up to a £2000 grant towards the wage costs of an apprentice.
The offer has been taken up by a variety of businesses across Eden, helping them offer opportunities to over 35 apprentices during the scheme’s lifetime.
One such business is Atkinson Building Contractors, which has recruited a number of apprentices through the scheme in recent years.
Commercial Services Portfolio Holder and Deputy Leader of Eden District Council, Councillor Mary Robinson, explains the positive impact that the initiative has had in the local area.
“We’re delighted to have seen some brilliant success stories as a result of our schemes for businesses in Eden.”
“The apprenticeship incentive has been used by employers new and established, to help take on apprentices and grow their organisations. It’s very rewarding to see the difference it can make to the prospects for our young people in the area – and the positive impact apprentices have on their businesses.”
The council initiative is flexible; businesses are free to choose their own training provider, and a range of apprenticeship standards and frameworks are available – from engineering to business administration to management and much more.
The scheme is managed by Appleby Training & Heritage Centre, a college which offers a wide range of courses to students and the local community. For more information on the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme contact [email protected].
You can see what’s going on around the country for National Apprenticeship Week by searching #NAW2020 or #LookBeyond on social media. Visit www.investineden.co.uk for more information on Eden District Council’s support for businesses.
