South Staffordshire College is helping local businesses to understand and make the most of the Government Apprenticeship scheme.

The College, working in partnership with the Chase Chamber of Commerce, Cannock District Council and Job Centre Plus, is hosting an employer-focused Apprenticeship event at its Cannock Campus on Friday 10th February.

Making Apprenticeships Work For Your Business is aimed at local businesses wanting to learn about the advantages of employing apprentices and how apprentices can contribute to their workforce. They will also have an opportunity to speak to specialist supporting agencies and other like-minded companies looking for apprentices.

Guests will hear from a variety of speakers, including the Staffordshire Providers Association and the National Apprenticeship Service who outlined the value that apprentices can bring to their workforce and the funding available from central government to support apprenticeships.

James Whybrow, Director of Workforce Development at South Staffordshire College was impressed with the take up from local companies, saying "Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and ensure our local economy remains competitive. Businesses across the region are now increasingly realising the enormous benefits that Apprenticeships create, not only in terms of highly skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention".

Cannock Chase Council's Cabinet Leader for Economic Development & Planning said "The time is ripe for businesses to seriously consider the benefits that can be achieved by taking on apprentices. The event on 10th February is designed to give practical advice on how businesses can participate in the apprenticeship scheme and will demonstrate that it is not only large companies that can benefit, but smaller companies too. I would encourage as many local companies as possible to get involved".

With some 200 different types of jobs filled by apprentices, there is a vast support network for employers wishing to take on apprentices, and employers have access to a range of schemes that can offer up to 100 per cent funding towards training costs from central government. 

It's an event local businesses can't afford to miss. For further information and to register for a place at this free event, please email apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk