Could an apprentice work for you?

This week is National Apprenticeship Week and Warwickshire County Council is joining with local employers and educators to promote the range, breadth and success of apprenticeships in Warwickshire.

As well as giving young people a great opportunity to earn while they learn, apprenticeships bring great benefits to business.

Nationally, there were more than 250,000 employer workplaces with an apprentice in 2014/15 and 89% of employers reported that apprenticeships helped their business improve the quality of their product or service. Apprenticeships are also estimated to boost productivity to businesses by on average £214 per week.

If you are thinking of recruiting an apprentice, free and impartial advice and support is available from Warwickshire County Council's Apprenticeship Hub. As well as helping you to work out if an apprentice would be right for you, the Hub can also support with the recruitment process and finding the right training provider or college to deliver the apprenticeship.

Please get in touch with the team by emailing apprentice@warwickshire.gov.uk, calling 01926 412649 or find out more by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice

As an employer itself, Warwickshire County Council has used Apprenticeship Week to launch its biggest ever apprenticeship recruitment drive with 38 opportunities available.

From working in country parks to cyber-security, from vehicle maintenance to social care, the council roles also include a range of levels including higher apprenticeship roles, which offer a degree equivalent qualification.

Apprenticeships at Warwickshire County Council have now reached a record level with 98 young people having realised the benefits of taking up an apprenticeship over the past three years. After completing, over 80% have secured roles with the council while others have taken up employment opportunities elsewhere or have gone on to further education.

Three county council apprentices are featured in a new video talking about their roles ranging from a country park ranger, a project manager gaining a degree level qualification and a training assistant supporting people with learning disabilities to find work.

For more information about Warwickshire County Council apprenticeship opportunities visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships or find out more about National Apprenticeship Week on the national site http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk