South West businesses are being encouraged to take on apprentices to help the country’s economy as the country emerges from lockdown.
High-quality apprenticeships will be a ‘vital contributor’ to the country’s economic recovery following the coronavirus outbreak, according to Gov.uk.
And Devon training provider Skills Group said it saw ‘unprecedented’ numbers of school leavers sign up for apprenticeship keen to carve out a career for themselves.
While the number of vacancies also increased regionally, more businesses are being urged to take advantage of cash incentives available for training youngsters within their workplace.
Under the Government’s Plan for Jobs scheme announced in July, employers are being offered £3,000 for each new apprentice they hire aged 16-18, £2,000 for 19-24 and £1,500 for those over 25, until January 31, 2021.
Keith Elliott, who runs Plymouth firm Keith Elliott Construction Ltd, said has always been a ‘big believer’ in taking on apprentices but the new cash incentives made it even more attractive to employers. He has recruited six apprentices through Skills Group and is taking on three more to bolster his workforce.
Keith said: “We’re a big believer in using apprentices and when the government announced their extra funding for the apprentices we thought, we can’t really lose. That’s why we’ve gone down the route of going for it and taking on three extra apprentices.”
Amanda, of Amanda Marsden Hairdressers agreed. She said: “We have always had a minimum of five apprentices and have historically recruited every year.
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“Apprentices are the future of our business and industry, without apprentices coming through the hairdressing programme we would not have growth in our business and continuity. Apprenticeships are vitally important to maintain our market position and level of skill set.
“I truly believe unless we commence the apprenticeships again, there will be a shortage of skill set in approximately 18-months time, leading to a shortage of qualified stylists with great training and salon experience.
“Therefore, we have decided to invest for long-term sustainability, progression and to future proof our salons, and in turn create opportunities for individuals to complete qualifications.”
Skills Group, which has apprentices working in firms throughout Devon and Cornwall, says it has been ‘inundated’ with both employer and learner vacancies as lockdown eases.
Between May 1 and August 6 this year, 579 youngsters aged between 16 and 18 applied for an apprenticeship with Skills Group, compared with 242 for the same period in 2019.
While the number of vacancies is also up on last year to 200 regionally, there’s still plenty of room for more employers to come forward.
Sharon Chaffe, Managing Director Skills Group, said: “At the moment we have 200 vacancies with top regional employers - but they are going fast.
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“Many employers that we work with have taken apprentices from us year after year and have proven track records of sustainable employment. We can therefore offer exciting career opportunities for young people in a wide range of sectors including construction, hairdressing, barbering, childcare, education, engineering and automotive.
“We would actively encourage any employer that is considering taking on an apprentice to get in touch and we can talk through the process with them.”