Shropshire Star

Chancellor George Osborne praises Ladder for Shropshire

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today pledged his support to the Shropshire Star's Ladder for Shropshire campaign, which aims to create scores of new apprenticeships across the county.

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Mr Osborne said the Ladder, which was launched in March with the backing of the Duke of York, would play a hugely important role in equipping people in the county with the skills they need.

The Chancellor said: "I am delighted to give my backing to the Ladder for Shropshire.

The Ladder for Shropshire is an apprenticeship scheme.

And whether you are a business looking at taking on an apprentice or a young person looking for work, there are plenty of benefits to being part of getting involved. We want companies – large, medium and small – to take on apprentices and help them onto the job ladder.

An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes on and off-the-job training. For every apprentice taken, employers may be eligible for a Government grant of £1,500.

More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.

  • For full details visit ladderforshropshire.co.uk

  • For more information call 0330 999 8441 or 0800 999 8441.

  • You can also email ladder@apprentice-providers.co.uk or fill out the online contact form here

"Apprenticeships are an essential part of our economy delivering the skills and expertise we need for a vibrant jobs market and fantastic opportunities for young people.

"Britain needs a high-skilled workforce which is why this Government is committed to delivering three million more apprenticeships around the country by 2020."

Mr Osborne said he had asked Lucy Allan, the new MP for Telford, to keep him updated on the progress of the campaign, which is being run in partnership with The Marches Skills Provider Network, Shropshire Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council.

"I've every confidence it will be a success," Mr Osborne added.

Ms Allan, who took the seat at the May General Election, also praised the campaign, saying it presented a range of excellent opportunities for young people.

She said: "Getting young people into work is one of my top priorities and apprenticeships are a great way to do that.

"The Ladder for Shropshire campaign has already created more than 85 apprenticeships since its launch and it is great news to hear that it is partnering up with local schools.

"Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for young people to learn new skills while earning money and paving their way for the future.

"Everyone involved in this scheme has done a fantastic job and I hope to see it continue for a long time to come."

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