Apprentice boom for businesses in region
More than half of businesses in the region are planning to take on an apprentice in the next five years, new research has claimed.
The study by the National Apprenticeship Service to mark the seventh annual National Apprenticeship Week, which began yesterday , claims that 51 per cent of companies are considering appointments.
It also says that the coming year could kick off that growth drive, with 27 per cent of respondents to the survey saying they could bring in at least one apprentice in the next 12 months.
The study of 600 businesses also shows how apprenticeships are growing in popularity. Across the West Midlands, 41 per cent of employers would be more likely to offer an apprenticeship than two years ago.
Overall, 46 per cent of employers in the region said apprentices stay in the business longer than other recruits.
Furthermore, it would appear Apprenticeships are now filtering into supply chain selection criteria. A quarter of employers in the West Midlands say they have been questioned by clients or prospects about their apprentice recruitment policies.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, said: "As we kick off National Apprenticeship Week it's good to see that employers are increasingly recognising the value apprentices can bring to their businesses.
"Apprentices are now a key and valued part of the workforce for most businesses large or small – and the huge increase which this Government has overseen is one of my proudest achievements."
BT is among the companies backing the growth in apprenticeships, with plans in place to bring on board 730 in the coming year.
This findings were mirrored in a supplementary study of some of the companies featured in the latest City & Guilds Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List which includes Hendra Healthcare in Ludlow.
Key findings included 93 per cent advocating apprentice recruitment in their supply chain.
