HUNDREDS of young people will get the chance to train on the job thanks to the success of an apprenticeship campaign.
East Sussex County Council joined forces with partners to launch You’re Hired East Sussex in March this year, with the aim of creating 500 new apprenticeships within five months.
Since the campaign started, 457 employers have promised to take on an apprentice, offering on-the-job training and qualifications.
“We are delighted with the response to the campaign,” said Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy. “The newly created apprenticeships will give young people the opportunity to get on-the-job experience and formal qualifications, and give the economy of East Sussex a welcomed boost.
“One of the county council’s key priorities is to encourage and support economic growth and the You’re Hired East Sussex campaign is one of a number of initiatives aimed at boosting employment and ensuring high quality and relevant training is available in the county.
“As part of the council’s employability and skills strategy, we are also working closely with local secondary schools, colleges and universities and businesses to ensure young people have access to the best training possible and can start a successful career in their home county.”
With just weeks of the campaign remaining, the county council is urging local businesses to consider the benefits of taking on an apprentice, which includes possible financial support from the East Sussex Invest programme.
For details of the help available and eligibility criteria, visit www.locateeastsussex.org.uk email enquiries@locateeastsussex.org.uk or call 01424 205085.
Businesses can also take advantage of a £1,500 grant from the National Apprenticeship Service for each apprentice they take on, up to a maximum of five.
To find out how to apply visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-grant-employer-fact-sheet or call 08000 150 600.
Businesses interested in hiring an apprentice or finding out more about the benefits, can visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/hired or call the National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 015 0600 or visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
You’re Hired East Sussex is being led by East Sussex County Council in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, Apprenticeships in Sussex, the Federation of Small Businesses, The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES), Lewes District Council, LEAP, Eastbourne Borough Council, Wealden District Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, Eastbourne Jobs Hub, the Youth Employability Service (YES), Plumpton College, Sussex Downs College, Sussex Coast College, Central Sussex College, Rewards Training, Youthforce, HIT Training, JTL Training, Ixion Holdings, Abacus Training, 3aaa Training, and Steve Willis Training Centres.
Anyone aged between 16 and 19 who requires further support can contact the East Sussex Youth Employability Service (YES) on 01323 410803 or 01424 722045, or at www.facebook.com/yeseastsussex