The Chamber is encouraging local firms to look at the funding options available to take on apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

More and more businesses are realising that a skilled workforce can help them weather the tough market conditions, with one in five employers hiring more apprentices to help them improve their business performance.

St Helens Chamber has secured funding from the Learning and Skills Council to deliver apprenticeships to young people aged 16-24.
Apprenticeships offer work-based training in a range of subjects, including retail, warehousing, health and social care, business administration and customer service.

Christine Barton, St Helens Chamber's training services manager, said: "The apprenticeship programme is available to existing and new employees, aged 16-24 and offers a training solution combining the benefits of workplace experience and formal training.

"Research shows that more than 75 per cent of employers agree that employing apprentices makes their workplace more productive, and with the cost of the training being fully funded by the Government, apprenticeships can deliver real returns to your bottom line."

St Helens Chamber will deliver all of the training in the workplace.
Training Advisers then visit apprentices at least every three weeks to ensure they are fully supported and that the placement is progressing well.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "The time is absolutely right for businesses of all sizes to take on apprentices. Our research shows that firms who take on apprentices have been in great shape to face the downturn.

"Last year saw a seven per cent increase in apprentices – that's 240,000 people starting their careers with the best possible training and the determination to succeed."

To find out more about the apprenticeship programmes delivered by St Helens Chamber, call 01744 742000.