A new campaign has been launched to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to businesses across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.
Cornwall Apprenticeships includes a new website, real time listings of apprentice vacancies, case studies and free advice and support to help small businesses discover how apprenticeships can boost skills and business performance.
It is a partnership between Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub, Cornwall Council’s Economic Growth Service, and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and is part-funded by the European Social Fund.
An apprenticeship is a real job that combines working with studying to gain skills, knowledge and experience in a specific role. There are various levels of apprenticeship available, right up to degree and masters level.
www.cornwallapprenticeships.com is an easy-to-navigate website which includes a wealth of information, advice and support for employers and individuals, including success stories from local businesses already working with apprentices.
The employer section includes information on how to hire an apprentice, costings, a comprehensive employers’ toolkit and the benefits to their business, as well as how to get further impartial support from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub.
The individuals’ section details how to find an apprenticeship and the benefits of becoming an apprentice. There is also a Twitter feed @CIoSApprentice and Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
Cathie Kessell, employment & apprenticeship officer at the Cornwall Council and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be launching this fantastic new resource for businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“Apprenticeships have changed a lot in recent years and we want to encourage small businesses to consider the apprenticeship route especially when 95% of training costs are met by the Government in most cases.
“Apprentices don’t have to be school leavers, they can be any age post 16 and they can be new or existing employees. It’s a really exciting option for both apprentice and employer.”
Josh Hoole, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub manager, said: “Employing an apprentice is easier than you think. Once you’ve decided to take on an apprentice or use apprenticeships to upskill existing staff, you can contact us for free advice and support.
“We can help identify the right apprenticeship for your business, find the right training provider to deliver your apprenticeship and even find the right apprentice. We can also help with the paperwork to make sure everything is done correctly.”
Several Cornish businesses are already supporting the campaign with case studies about how apprenticeships have benefitted them.
Christopher Weavill, COO and co-founder of Truro-based technology company Hertzian said: “Apprentices are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can be of great value. Employers have the opportunity to create the perfectly trained member of staff for their business. By utilising apprenticeships, a business can have an evergreen pool of talent – with members of staff that upskill each other tailored for the company’s needs.”
Laura Whyte, director of Truro-based accountancy firm Whyfield, added: “Our apprentices are of real value to our business. By the time apprentices are fully qualified, they know the business inside and out, and are loyal to the company.”
