APPRENTICESHIPS in East Sussex will be given a boost this week as the county council supports National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which runs from February 8 – 14.

As well as highlighting the national campaign, the council is officially launching its £600,000 Transform programme this week which supports businesses to access apprenticeships.

The Transform project, funded by the county council and European Social Fund money, aims to increase the take up and knowledge of apprenticeships, traineeships and skills training among small and medium sized enterprises (SME) across the county. Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent, receive new ideas and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

Over the course of NAW the council will also talk directly to dozens of employers across the county through its delivery partner, the Sussex Council of Training Providers (SCTP), about the benefits of apprenticeships and how they can access apprenticeship advice and funding.

During the week, Becky Shaw, Chief Executive of East Sussex and West Sussex county councils, will meet online with a group of apprentices to ask them about their apprenticeship experiences.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy, said: “I am delighted that we are once again supporting National Apprenticeship Week.

“Our commitment to National Apprenticeship Week is part of our continuing efforts to work with local businesses to increase the number of apprenticeships locally, and to improve skills and training in East Sussex, one of the key objectives in the county’s Economy Recovery Plan.

“I encourage local employers to explore apprenticeships as a positive option not just for their business, but for the local community and economy too.”

The national theme for NAW 2021 is ‘Build The Future’. The week aims to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and the local economy, with the focus on how employers train, retain and achieve with apprenticeships.

Employers can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers and university graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. Employers can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, and government funding is available to help pay for apprenticeship training.

If your business is an SME in East Sussex and would like support accessing apprenticeships and funding, please contact transform@sctp.org.uk.

Employers can also find out more about apprenticeships in Sussex on the Sussex Council of Training Providers website.