A CAMPAIGN to encourage more companies to take on apprentices has got off to a flying start. The Journal has linked up with the National Apprenticeship Service to help firms find the staff they need to grow and help those without a job make a new start.

And in its first week 100 Days: The Apprenticeship Challenge has seen more than 50 businesses sign up new apprenticeships, either of existing staff or with new recruits.

Alan Wallace, head of employer accounts for the NAS, said he was delighted so many had taken up the challenge to increase apprenticeships so quickly in the 100-day campaign.

“Apprenticeships bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole.

“In an increasingly competitive world, no business can afford not to invest in training and apprenticeships are one of the very best and most cost-effective ways for employers to grow their own talent.

“That is why NAS is driving the 100 Day Apprenticeship Challenge, working alongside the other campaign partners to ensure that more North East organisations across all sectors and industries can have the opportunity to enjoy the business benefits that employing apprentices can bring.”

The region has the worst unemployment levels in the UK and a high proportion of young people without jobs so the campaign is particularly timely. Last year The Journal and its sister paper the Evening Gazette worked with NAS to get 100 firms to take on 100 apprentices in 100 days.

Within a few weeks it was so successful we had to increase the target to 500. And when the 100 days were up we were able to report 1,355 new apprenticeships had been created. We hope the campaign will be a big success.

To find out more about the 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge, recruiting apprentices, call 08000 150 600, or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.