We are pleased to announce that close to 100 business representatives attended our recent series of Apprenticeship Levy seminars. Organised by our Economic Development team, the seminars aimed to provide information on the changes due to hit businesses on 1st April 2017, and inform them on how they can reap the rewards of a well-run apprenticeship programme. Today’s apprentice should be an asset to their employer and business for many decades to come.
Did you know?
• 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future
• 71% of those people stay with the same employer
• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices
• 76% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
(Sources: goo.gl/SQ422c & goo.gl/toknWw)
The events took place at Verwood HUB, Bournemouth Airport, The Captains Club in Christchurch, and QE School in Wimborne. Each seminar included a presentation by a local training provider. Bournemouth and Poole College, Brockenhurst College, Paragon Training, and Skills & Learning were all on hand to provide their expertise to local businesses. There was also a dedicated question and answer session, as the changes are designed to increase both the quality and quantity of apprenticeships on offer and put business in control of their own programme.
Following the formal seminars, many businesses stayed to network with fellow businesses and talk one-to-one with the training providers.
We have received some valuable feedback from the event with positive comments including:
Following the success of these seminars, an additional event called ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about apprenticeships but were afraid to ask’ will take place on the morning of 8 March. Hosted by Superior Seals (Ferndown Industrial Estate) there will be speakers from Superior Seals, JP Morgan and Bournemouth and Poole College. This event will be aimed at businesses who don’t currently employ apprentices.
For more information contact dnewman@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk
Our next series of events will be the latest in our series of ‘Going for Growth’ business breakfast events which will mark the launch of the Superfast Broadband Scheme. The events will be held at Highcliffe Castle on 21 March and QE School on 23 March. 