Prince Andrew visiting the Star to support Ladder for Shropshire apprentices campaign
Prince Andrew will visit the offices of the Shropshire Star next week to give his backing to the Ladder for Shropshire campaign.
The campaign has been established to bring together the county's businesses, apprentices and training providers in a bid to alleviate the long-term problem of youth unemployment.
In the past, the Duke of York has supported similar programmes in London and the Black Country, and next Monday he will be in the county to help launch the Ladder.
The Shropshire Star is looking for companies large, medium, and small to take on one or more apprentices by using the Ladder programme.
Research shows that 72 per cent of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice.
More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.
Visit www.ladderforshropshire.co.uk
The duke will visit the Star's head office in Ketley to meet the partners involved with the launch of the scheme.
Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: "The Ladder for Shropshire will provide all the tools that the Shropshire business community needs to build a workforce that's fit for the future.
"It's great news that such a high-profile figure will be backing the campaign.
"We know the prince has been very enthusiastic about similar programmes in the past, so his endorsement speaks volumes about what we are trying to achieve with this campaign."
The Ladder For Shropshire is being launched in partnership with The Marches Skills Provider Network, Shropshire Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council.
"It will bring together companies who are looking to introduce new blood to their workforce with young people who are hungry to start on a new career and the training providers who can ensure they have all the expertise they require.
