Cornwall Apprenticeships’ 300 in 100 Campaign is backed by Andrew George MP

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, helped launch the Cornwall Apprenticeship 300 in 100 campaign. This ambitious plan 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 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.

Andrew George said, “Following news reports 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.”

Please click here for more information about hiring or becoming an apprentice.