FROM the job description onwards, Gateshead Council has helped more than a dozen businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that an apprenticeship can give businesses during the 100 in 100 campaign.
With years of experience of delivering high-quality vocational training for a whole host of industries, Gateshead Council is able to deliver a tailored apprenticeship service for employers. Since the start of the 100 in 100 campaign, 18 new apprentices have been helped to land a great job.
One of the companies which has taken on an apprentice through Gateshead Council during the campaign is Blue Kangaroo, a graphic design agency specialising in character licensing for children’s brands.
Managing director Jason Knights recently decided to take on an extra member of staff and he was keen that this should be an apprentice.
He said: “I left school with no qualifications and worked as a cinema projector on the old YTS scheme. I was keen to give another young person a chance in the same way I was as I think it’s hard enough for kids these days.
“The quality of all of the candidates was really high but there was something about Gemma that just clicked with us – she has a great attitude and we were really impressed with the voluntary work she’s done.”
The success of the apprenticeship has confirmed Mr Knight’s belief in their value. “The financial outlay is small and you get a much bigger return. Gemma has been a godsend. I think we’d happily take on another apprentice after that,” he added.
All of the benefits that bringing apprentices into a business creates can be delivered painlessly by Gateshead Council. A seamless introduction to the workplace, including help with the induction process and support for those who will be managing the apprentices, is also part of the package.
The flexibility of Gateshead Council’s apprenticeship offer also means that learning opportunities during apprenticeships can be designed around business needs.
Gateshead Council’s apprenticeship service is available to any business throughout the North of England.
Gateshead Council principal adult learning and skills manager Kevin Pearson said: “The whole of the service we offer is designed to respond to the individual needs of businesses. By being so flexible in every part of what we do, we really can put employers first and help them to take full advantage of the opportunities that apprenticeships can offer them.
“By taking on apprentices businesses are making the best possible preparations for a successful and growing future. Our service is on a not for profit basis so our only interest is helping North East companies take on the best possible apprentices.”
Although based in Gateshead, Gateshead Council’s apprenticeship service is available to any business in the North of England.
More information is available by contacting Claire Ritson on 0191 433 8780, claireritson@gateshead.gov.uk or visiting www.gateshead.gov.uk
