Skills minister John Hayes, entrepreneur Peter Jones, bodies such as the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chambers of Commerce and businesses such as the BBC, BT, British Gas, Compass and BAE Systems are supporting the drive by putting their name to a letter of support for apprenticeships and launching a radio and direct mail campaign aimed at employers.
The drive highlights the business benefits of apprenticeships and in the current economic climate, how apprenticeships can supply the skilled, talented workforce needed for the future.
The Government’s commitment has been stated in its recent announcement of funding for an extra 75,000 apprenticeship places over the next four years. The commitment has also come from businesses themselves with 85,000 already making a commitment by employing apprentices in their own companies. To launch the drive Hayes met apprentices who have recently helped build One New Change, the new shopping centre in the City of London.
According to a recent survey carried out by the National Apprenticeship Service, these companies are benefiting significantly. Of the employers surveyed, 82% agreed that apprenticeships give them a good return on investment, 81% agreed they supply their businesses with the practical skills and qualifications that they need for the future, 77% agreed that apprenticeships are a cost-effective recruitment solution and 90% would recommend apprenticeships to other companies. It’s not just the business benefits that employers are reporting; it’s also better work environments and staff morale that are on the up, with 83% agreeing that employing apprentices leads to a better work environment.
Hayes said: "This Government believes that apprenticeships are a key component to up skilling the workforce and are one of the best forms of work based learning. We proved this commitment in our recent announcement that we will provide an extra 75,000 apprenticeship places a year by 2014-15. We will be working closely with employers to help them play their part in improving the employment prospects of young people and creating the highly skilled workforce this country needs."
Peter Jones added: "My experience in business has highlighted how new talent can really invigorate a company. Apprentices can work in a huge range of roles in a business and the businesses benefit just as much as the apprentices themselves. This is why I am working with the National Apprenticeship Service to develop an Apprenticeship in Enterprise."
David Frost, director general, British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Apprenticeships are based in the workplace and employers get the skills they really need. They are vital to the future success not only of businesses across the country, but also for a vibrant economy."
