Ambitious apprentice campaign going well (From Redditch Advertiser)

Ambitious apprentice campaign going well

10:30am Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A NUMBER of apprenticeships have been created as the result of an ambitious ongoing campaign.

The Redditch Apprenticeship Challenge, by Redditch Council, aims to get local employers to commit to taking on 50 apprenticeships in 50 days.

40 have been created so far leaving 10 needed to meet the campaign's target.

The aim is to extend employment opportunities, create new jobs and provide new training initiatives for local people.

Among those taking part is Redditch-based commercial, industrial and domestic electricians Paul's Electrical Services, which signed up the 40th apprentice.

Leader of Redditch Council Bill Hartnett said: "I'm proud to see the 40th apprenticeship in Redditch being created by a local man come good, who has gone from one man and his screwdriver to a limited company employing 15 people.

“The firm is one of the council's framework contractors and they have helped out in the community before, such as with the Christmas tree in Batchley.”

Paul James, from Paul's Electrical Services, said: "I've always felt it's important that we put something back into the community that we make a living from.

“That's why we have a history of taking on young apprentices from the area, and we're delighted to be coming on board with this latest initiative."

Another local employer taking part is Oakland International which recently recruited four new apprentices.

David Hoey, from Oakland, said: “As part of our strategic growth plans, we intend to increase the current workforce from 200 employees to 280 by the end of 2014, viewing the apprenticeship scheme as the ideal launch platform to help us achieve this.

“It will also raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships to both the business community and those seeking employment and training opportunities locally.”

He added: “As a successful local business, our involvement is a sound investment for both the company’s future, and that of young people in the area - it just makes sense."

For more information on the campaign, visit redditchbc.gov.uk or call 0845 6015953 or info@nwedr.org.uk.