West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, is set to launch the Cornwall Apprenticeship campaign on Monday (January 6).
This ambitious campaign aims to create 300 apprenticeships in the first 100 days of 2014. It is backed by the National Apprenticeship Service, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and other training, business and Local Government stakeholders.
The campaign organisers believe that the appointment of an apprentice could be “the best return on an investment made by any business in 2014”.
As an incentive for businesses to take on an apprentice, the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers is available for businesses who take on a young person aged 16-24. These grants are worth £1.5k to employers – providing that they have not taken on an apprentice in the previous 12 months.
The new campaign, involving Cornwall Training Provider Network (including local Colleges) and the National Apprenticeship Service, will encourage employers to take advantage of these grants.
The campaign will be launched at Penzance Cricket Club at 8am on Monday January 6 and will be rolled out across the other five constituencies in Cornwall.
George said: “This is a golden opportunity for Cornwall. With encouraging signs in the wider economy, Cornish businesses can help our aspiring young people.
“The resourcefulness, talent and energy of our young people can be harnessed to give businesses a boost. It may not be for everyone, but it’s well worth giving the idea more than just a second thought.”
