Saturday October 5 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
More than 1,000 people across Wiltshire have taken up apprenticeships which will help them in their future careers following a successful initiative by Wiltshire Council and partners.
Back in July 2012 the council launched an apprenticeship campaign to match apprentices to local businesses who could provide exciting opportunities to help them into the workplace.
Halfway through the year-long campaign the figurehad already reached well over 700 and now the final figure is 1,130 apprenticeships involving 290 employers with 147 firms offering apprenticeships for the first time. The types of businesses range from bridal retailers to engineering companies and from IT and communication businesses to schools.
The successful campaign was celebrated at a business breakfast at the Guildhall, in Salisbury on October 3 where Alan Sugar’s first ever apprentice Tim Campbell MBE was the guest speaker.
Local defence company Qinetiqspoke at the event about the value of apprenticeships and there were updates on the ongoing opportunities and support available to young people through apprenticeships, traineeships and the Wiltshire Skills4Success Programme.
Qinetiq graduate apprentice Samantha Prichard, who won the Thames Valley Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award (2012) also spoke at the event giving an apprentice perspective.
Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, cabinet member for economic development said: “We asked Wiltshire businesses to embrace apprenticeships and develop people’s careers and they responded in their hundreds with many firms taking on an apprentice for the first time.
“The campaign has been an amazing success but it’s not just about figures; it’s about supporting tomorrow’s future while helping today’s business. We hope this will prove a springboardfor firms to take on even more young people who can provide energy and raw talent in return for that important experience in the workplace.”
Tim Campbell said: “I am really glad to have been invited to share in the fantastic celebration of apprenticeship promotion in Wiltshire.
“Having set a target to create 1,000 apprenticeships and successfully smashing through this, Wiltshire Council and their forward thinking partners are highlighting the importance of local collaboration when promoting opportunities and support for young people. A brilliant achievement!
“But this partnership working, spearheaded by the council, is not just about young people. It is also about the benefits that educational establishments, employers and the wider community get from engaging the next generation of talent with the attractive employment and training proposition apprenticeships provide.”
