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Employers discover a New World of Apprenticeships

1 December 2016

Employers across the South East Midlands have been urged to discover the ‘new world’ of apprenticeships to see how they can help to grow their business.

An event held at The Open University in Milton Keynes today (Thurs, Dec 1) saw more than 100 businesses learn more about the impact apprentices can have on their company.

Latest Government figures have revealed 904,800 people were on an apprenticeship in 2015/16, up from 871,000 the year before, and plans are to place to increase participation further in the years ahead.

A total of 14,742 people started an apprenticeship in the South East Midlands in 2014/15.

Dr Ann Limb CBE, Chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see so many employers realising the benefits that integrating apprentices into their growing workforce can bring.

“Here in Milton Keynes we are sitting slap bang in the middle of Britain’s Brain Belt and we need to make the most of that. Our young people are a wonderful resource and companies need to see the difference they can make once they’ve been given a platform to showcase their skills.”

The free event saw businesses given an unprecedented opportunity to meet local experts and employers who are already successfully running apprenticeship programmes up to post graduate level, including Unilever, Qinetiq and Nifty Lifts.

Businesses were able to learn how to develop a tailor-made apprenticeship solution for their company.

The event was organised by SEMLEP in conjunction with The Open University, Cranfield University and Milton Keynes College, and put local employers in the driving seat, giving them the chance to integrate apprenticeships across their workforce.

Peter Horrocks CBE, Vice Chancellor at the Open University, said: “We were delighted to host this event and enable the exchange of ideas and expertise in the run-up to next year’s Apprenticeship Levy.

“The OU’s partnership with KPMG means employers in this region and beyond can tap into solutions to make the most of this opportunity and fulfil their future training needs.”

Businesses were able to speak directly to apprenticeship providers including Milton Keynes College and Cranfield University to find out more about how they can tap into the talent pool available locally and develop a bespoke apprenticeship strategy of their own.

Dr Julie Mills, Principal of Milton Keynes College, said: “Apprenticeships represent a huge opportunity for local and national businesses of all size. We’re excited about the role we can play in helping organisations maximise the potential offered by work-based learning in developing skills and supporting business growth.

“Our dedicated Apprenticeships team offers the benefits of experience and expertise to ensure we co-create apprenticeship solutions which meet each businesses’ specific objectives.

“Working with SEMLEP and the Open University to run this event has been a brilliant opportunity to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors and to hear from organisations which do not already have apprentices about how we can help them bring apprentices into their business.”

Professor Lynette Ryals, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Cranfield University said: “Cranfield University was one of the first universities in England to offer an apprenticeship at Masters level and we are continuing to develop and expand our portfolio.

“Postgraduate apprenticeships are a fantastic way for local businesses to raise the skills of their employees and to reap the benefits that a highly skilled workforce brings.

“The apprenticeship model offers improved flexibility compared to traditional learning models, for both employers and employees.  It was great to see so many local businesses engaged and wanting to develop their staff.”

 

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