AS THE Cheshire and Warrington campaign to create 300 apprenticeships in 100 days nears its 40th day, a growing number of training providers are engaging with local employers to help them explore how they can benefit from taking on new apprentices.
Events Stewarding, Training and Consultancy (ESTC), based in Nantwich is one of the providers working with the National Apprenticeship Service to help achieve this target.
Paul Rogers, employment adviser, said: “Here at ESTC we are passionate about the services we deliver; our vision is for every company in England to employ a young person on an apprenticeship and to help them to progress within the company.”Š
ESTC works with numerous employers and apprentices who cover a wide variety of work based learning which helps build their confidence and gives them knowledge and skills and opportunities to progress in their chosen careers.
One apprentice, Amy Blackburn, described her experience: “I had a perfect opportunity to get a job and gain experience as a cover for maternity leave, on administration.
“The lady who I was covering for decided not to return to work at the end of her time off and I was offered a full-time position, and I took up the role of business administration and the job role covers, room bookings, (floor diaries) in charge of work placements, stock control, Criminal Records Bureau forms, minutes of meetings and general support for office staff.”
Another apprentice, Parys Haughton, said: “I started at my new job in July 2010 and I completed my Level 2 apprenticeship in business and administration in September 2011. I then progressed to my Level 3 apprenticeship.
“My assessor is very supportive and understanding of my needs. I am looking forward to the challenges that I will face and being rewarded with my qualification in a few months time.”
Now is the time for businesses to recruit an apprentice, as there is a huge pool of talent out there.
Contact the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the organisation that supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of apprenticeships throughout England.
NAS provides a dedicated service to employers, offering free, expert advice and support to those looking to recruit apprentices for the first time or expand their apprenticeship programme.
Businesses looking for general information on apprenticeships and/or wishing to participate in the campaign can e-mail cheshireandwarrington@apprenticeships.gov.uk or call James Williams at National Apprenticeship Service on 07785 243 278. To contact ESTC regarding the apprenticeships it has on offer, telephone 01270 626 663 or email info@estcgroup.com.
