Training 2000 Encourage Businesses to Discover the Benefits of Apprenticeships

As part of Apprenticeship Week 2011 (7-11 February), Steve Gray, Chief Executive at Lancashire training provider, Training 2000, is issuing a rallying call to Lancashire's businesses to uncover the advantages of employing an apprentice.

From filling skills gaps, providing increased motivation to the workforce and improving productivity, Apprenticeships are proven to make a real difference to business performance. Steve Gray comments: "We work closely with many employers across the region so hear first-hand what a positive impact Apprenticeships are having on local businesses. 

"Companies that employ apprentices state that they have seen an increase in productivity and a boost to their competitiveness, whilst reducing their recruitment costs by being able to develop employees from the outset, rather than recruiting skilled staff.

"Also many businesses recognise that through an Apprenticeship, employees receive up-to-date training in the latest industry technology and gain any specialist skills required to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices."

Research conducted in 2009* indicated that 88% of employers that employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, while 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers for the future and one in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate.

Yet the business benefits of the Apprenticeship programme go beyond the workforce, research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service in 2009 indicated that 86% of people in Lancashire are more likely to conduct business with a company, if it offers Apprenticeships to young people.

Steve concludes: "We work with numerous businesses that have employed apprentices for many years who understand the true value of what the Apprenticeship programme can provide, I have first-hand knowledge of this as a current employer of apprentices and former apprentice myself."

For further information contact Training 2000 on 01254 586534 or go to their website at www.training2000.co.uk