We’ve done it! 100 apprentice places found in a record time

THE Herald and Gazette campaign to secure 100 apprentice places has been beaten in record time – to the delight of those involved.
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100  Apprentices Target Beaten at Northbrook College staff celebrateW35953H13

100  Apprentices Target Beaten at Northbrook College staff celebrate
W35953H13 100 Apprentices Target Beaten at Northbrook College staff celebrate

The campaign, which started earlier in the year, was run in conjunction with Northbrook College, and to date, 102 apprentice places have been confirmed or pledged.

The target was reached late last week, some four weeks in advance of the target date.

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Northbrook principal Sue Dare said: “I am delighted to hear that Northbrook College has reached the target of 100 apprentices, with the help of the Herald.

“It is great and so pleasing to see so many local employers taking on apprentices, many of these for the first time.”

Last week, the Herald reported that despite unemployment figures dropping, concerns remained about jobs for youths.

Tina Tilley, CEO of Adur and Worthing Chamber of Commerce, said it was encouraging to see businesses looking at apprenticeships as a viable option.

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She said: “The chamber has been involved with Northbrook in promoting apprenticeshups for the past four years, as a strong option for growing the workforce.

“It is nice to see the calibre of students is so strong that businesses are even taking on more than one in some cases.

“It is also nice to see youngsters choosing to stay in the area.”

Caffyns has taken-on multiple apprentices from Northbrook in recent years.

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HR manager Barbara Robinson said: “Caffyns has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Northbrook College, in the delivery of vehicle technician and other apprenticeship schemes.

“We have found the programmes to be current, relevant and delivered to a high standard.

“It is an efficient and cost-effective solution for training our employees of the future assisting in the Caffyns principle of growing our own talent.”

Graham Hayward, HR manager at B&W Group, added: “B&W Group is increasingly using apprenticeships as a means of developing the future skills of its workforce.

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“Northbrook has been a vital partner in this exercise, helping and guiding B&W at all levels , from the recruitment of suitable candidates, to the selection and design of training programmes, through to the delivery of training.”

Although the campaign has achieved its aims, Northbrook still wants to continue to recruit apprentices.

To find out more about pledging an apprentice place, or signing up as an apprentice, contact apprenticeship manager Brenda Cook, by emailing [email protected], or by phoning 01903 273375.