NORTH East businesses looking to grow their workforce without spending a fortune can find out more about hiring apprentices at a special free event this month.

Firms can get expert advice from Mick Brophy, managing director of business, innovation and development at Gateshead College, which works with over 275 regional and national employers and supports more than 1,500 apprentices.

The college is holding a seminar at the Business Plus event, where he and his team will be dispelling some of the myths surrounding apprenticeships and urging employers to take a fresh look at the added value benefits apprentices can bring.

Brophy said: “Hiring an apprentice can present a unique opportunity for employers to develop their workforce.

“Our approach is to work very closely with employers to not only help recruit the right candidate, but to tailor our training so that it shapes and moulds the apprentices into dynamic, effective and valuable team members - the sort of employees every competitive business needs.”

At the seminar, Gateshead College will be showcasing how apprenticeships work and advising employers – who may not have employed apprentices before – about the value they can bring and the positive impact they can make.

There are two chances to visit Business Plus, which are organised by Business and Enterprise Group. They will take place on September 25 at the Gosforth Park Hotel, Newcastle, and Wynyard Rooms, Billingham, on October 16.

Also at the events, the North East Chamber of Commerce will join law firm Sintons to advise on legal matters at the events, with mini-workshops and seminars.

To find out more about apprenticeships at Gateshead College www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships. For more details and booking, visit the website www.business-plus.co.uk or call 0191 426 6333.