Ladder for Shropshire apprenticeships campaign hits major milestone

The Ladder for Shropshire programme this week saw its 50th vacancy created, as employers flock to the Shropshire Star-backed programme to create apprenticeships and add to their workforce.

Following the appointment of the first apprentice through the programme last month, more companies are now looking for youngsters to help develop their businesses.

And that has seen the number of apprenticeships available, in a wide variety of sectors, rise to 56, from 37 different companies around the county.

The Ladder for Shropshire is an apprenticeship scheme.

And whether you are a business looking at taking on an apprentice or a young person looking for work, there are plenty of benefits to being part of getting involved. We want companies – large, medium and small – to take on apprentices and help them onto the job ladder.

An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes on and off-the-job training. For every apprentice taken, employers may be eligible for a Government grant of £1,500.

More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.

• For full details visit ladderforshropshire.co.uk For more information call 0330 999 8441 or 0800 999 8441.

• You can also email ladder@apprentice-providers.co.uk or fill out the online contact form here

More than a third of those pledges have arrived in the last three weeks as interest gathers pace at a time when students are leaving schools and colleges.

Jamie Pugh, marketing and development officer for the Ladder for Shropshire, said it was an important milestone for the programme. "We set out on the Ladder for Shropshire with two key goals," he said.

"We wanted to help alleviate the ongoing problem of youth unemployment in the region, but also to help businesses to pass on the skills and expertise that exists within their workforce onto the next generation of staff.

"The news that we now have 50 opportunities advertised is an indication of just how the local business community has responded to that. It is a fantastic moment for the campaign, and for Shropshire's economic future."

Perfect 10 Hairdressers in Central Court in Bridgnorth's High Street is among the companies to have previously signed up to the Ladder, and has a new member of staff starting next month as a result.

The latest businesses to join them in backing the Ladder for Shropshire include Tiddlewinks Nursery in Shrewsbury, florists Fleurtations of Shrewsbury, and construction industry support firm Hawk Group at Prees Green.

Residential care home company prOKare, All Nations Inn at Madeley, Croft Design Associates at Much Wenlock, and Telford-based electrical installations company Hager have also signed up.

With many youngsters just completing their formal education and leaving school, the onus is now on potential apprentices to come forward to fill the vacancies that have been created by local businesses.

Mr Pugh added: "To have this many businesses getting on board and doing their bit is tremendously encouraging, and demonstrates that this campaign is resonating with a lot of people.

"Employers in Shropshire know that their employees' skills need to be handed on if the county is to continue to enjoy such a diverse and prosperous future, and they have seen the Ladder for Shropshire as the ideal way to make that happen.

"Many are already interviewing candidates to fill the roles that have been created, but young people now need to take a look at the opportunities that are out there and stake their claim to a place in the workforce of tomorrow.

"Many youngsters are just leaving school and wondering what their next move should be – well there's a wealth of opportunities awaiting them through the Ladder, and employers are standing ready to welcome them with open arms."

To contact the Ladder for Shropshire, call 0800 999 8441 or 0330 999 8441 from a mobile. Alternatively, you can e-mail ladder@apprenticeship-providers.co.uk or visit www.ladderforshropshire.co.uk