Today marks the start of the National Apprenticeship Week that runs until February 11. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has welcomed the initiative and highlighted the value that the recruitment industry can add by helping young people into the world of work through apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship week, run by the National Apprenticeship Scheme (NAS), aims to spread the message of how important apprenticeships can be for both young people and businesses. The REC has pledged its support and welcomed the Government’s goal to source 100,000 new apprenticeships by 2014.
The need to enhance vocational routes into the jobs market was one of the core recommendations of the REC’s Youth Employment Taskforce. The work of the Taskforce also confirmed that a number of recruiters are already involved in promoting apprenticeships.
Commenting, Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of Policy and Professional Services remarked:
“Apprenticeships increasingly prove a key way to help young people take their first step into the world of work - developing employable skills that will benefit them throughout their working lives. Businesses also stand to gain a competitive edge by bringing enthusiastic apprentices with fresh ideas into their companies
“Frontline recruiters have a central role to play in this process; using their expertise to identify positions and source suitable candidates. Many REC members already provide this service, working across a range of industries to provide more opportunities for young people and businesses of all sizes.”
Tom Hadley added: “It is important that the issue of apprenticeships remains at the forefront of the policy agenda; the REC will develop a comprehensive programme to ensure that this is the case. Drawing on our existing work in the Youth Employment Taskforce, we will work in partnership with key stakeholders on how we can provide young people with better pathways into work.”
Simon Waugh, Chairman of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), said: “The announcements today highlight that, companies, big and small, in a wide range of sectors value the benefits apprenticeships bring to their businesses.
“We are keen to work with recruiters right across the country to ensure that businesses understand that apprenticeships increase productivity, improve loyalty and give a great return on investment for companies. Apprenticeship Week is the time to celebrate these successes – and urge more companies to reap the benefits for themselves too.”
For more information about National Apprenticeship Week, go to: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2011.aspx
