You're hired - to advise firms on apprentices

Jun 30 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

TWO members of staff have been appointed to advise businesses considering taking on apprentices in the Easington area of County Durham.

Sarah Marshall and Jayne Prest will provide specialised apprenticeship consultancy services for the East Durham Business Service (EDBS), to build on the existing Apprenticeships East Durham programme that is offered by the organisation.

The Apprenticeships East Durham scheme has helped 345 local people into apprenticeships since it started in 2003. EDBS is now aiming to achieve around 150 new placements this year alone after beefing up its staff with the addition of Ms Marshall and Ms Prest.

The two new recruits will work with local firms to identify apprentice vacancies and match businesses to the best apprenticeship candidates.

The matching scheme is designed to save businesses time and money by ensuring that they only interview the most suitable candidates for their vacancies.

There is also grant funding of up to £1,000 available for firms in East Durham to help with the costs associated with taking on an apprentice during the first few months of their employment.

Ms Marshall said: “The programme has already experienced some early success with apprentices starting in new roles throughout East Durham.

“Apprenticeships are an important way of developing skills within your organisation. This is even more important in a recession to avoid future skills gaps.

“Any businesses thinking of taking on an apprentice in East Durham should give us a call; we will work to find the right talents for your business and take the stress out of the recruitment process.”