Small Businesses Sign up to New Apprentice Recruitment Drive
Small and medium sized firms in the catering equipment industry are set to benefit from an innovative partnership between employers, trade associations and government.
The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA), the Catering Equipment Distributors Association (CEDA) and the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) has committed to securing 75 Apprenticeships among its small and medium sized members following the Holt Review’s recommendations that trade associations play a bigger role in the promotion of Apprenticeships.
Jason Holt, entrepreneur and author of the Holt Review into Apprenticeships, said, “Trade associations can play a huge role in promoting Apprenticeships to their members and it is fantastic to see these efforts paying off and more small businesses realising the rewards that Apprenticeships can bring.”
Many of the employers will receive AGE 16 to 24 (the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers) a grant of £1,500 (per apprentice) intended to enable smaller companies to take on an apprentice aged between 16 and 24. The grant is available to businesses with up to 1000 employees who have not employed an apprentice in the last 12 months.
Recent research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research highlighted how Apprenticeships boost productivity by enabling businesses to grow their skills base. The average Apprenticeship completer increased business productivity by £214 per week, with these gains including increased profits, lower prices and better products (1).
CESA chairman Nick Oryino said, “We are delighted to take a lead in this new initiative and to fully engage with the National Apprenticeship Service. There is an acute need for well-trained and effective people to join our workforce, whether in office roles or in equipment service and manufacturing. For young adults considering an Apprenticeship, ours is a dynamic industry that offers rewarding, fulfilling careers.”
David Way, Executive Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said, “The demand for Apprenticeships from young people has never been stronger, while thousands of new businesses are introducing Apprenticeships every month as they look to attract and develop young talent.
“We hope many more trade associations and employers will come on board over the coming months and work with us to promote Apprenticeships to their members.
“The National Apprenticeship Service specialist small business team is making it easier than ever to employ an apprentice and if you’re a business that employs up to 1000 employees, you can even get the AGE 16 to 24 grant to help cover the cost of starting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old.”
For more information on Apprenticeships visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.
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Notes for Editors
(1) Productivity Matters, Centre for Economic and Business Research, 2013
(2) http://apprenticeships.org.uk/News-Media/Latest-News/Article239.aspx
National Apprenticeship Service
We enable our nation to generate a more highly skilled workforce. Through Apprenticeships, skills competitions and awards, which create opportunity, support
development and showcase excellence. Our endeavours enable us to:
– Transform the lives of our people.
– Stimulate growth and strengthen our economy.
– Instill pride in the skilled people of our nation.
Press release supplied by Claremont http://claremont.org.uk/ on behalf of The National Apprenticeship Service. For more information contact Emily Shelton on 07759 069559 or email emily.shelton@claremont.org.uk
For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk or visit the press office at www.publicityworks.biz For press enquires: Toni Turner or Alison Haynes at The Publicity Works 01263 761000; cesa@publicityworks.biz. Keith Warren, CESA: 020 7793 3030. Follow CESA on Twitter Facebook and Linked In