“Boost Cornish business and help our aspiring young people” – George

2014 Cornwall Apprenticeship Campaign to be launched in Penzance on Monday 6th January

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, will launch the Cornwall Apprenticeship campaign next Monday, 6th January 2014. This ambitious campaign aims to create 300 apprenticeships in the first 100 days of 2014. It is backed by the National Apprenticeship Service, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and other training, business and Local Government stakeholders.

The campaign organisers believe that the appointment of an apprentice could be “the best return on an investment made by any business in 2014”. After training, moulding and developing an apprentice, local businesses can reap the benefit as the energy and enthusiasm of our young people can be harnessed to help business grow and the Cornish economy to prosper.

As an incentive for businesses to take on an apprentice the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers is available for businesses who take on a young person aged 16-24. These grants are worth £1,500 to employers – providing that they have not taken on an apprentice in the previous 12 months.

The new campaign, involving Cornwall Training Provider Network (including local Colleges) and the National Apprenticeship Service, will encourage employers to take advantage of these grants.

The campaign will be launched at Penzance Cricket Club at 8 am on Monday 6th January and will be rolled out across the other five constituencies in Cornwall from Friday 10th to Friday 17th January.

Andrew George said, “Following news reports today about the alienation and psychological effects of unemployment on young people, this campaign comes at just the right time.

“This is a golden opportunity for Cornwall. With encouraging signs in the wider economy, Cornish businesses can help our aspiring young people. The resourcefulness, talent and energy of our young people can be harnessed to give businesses a boost. It may not be for everyone, but it’s well worth giving the idea more than just a second thought.”

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