THE NUMBER of people taking up apprenticeships in Worcestershire is increasing year on year and is higher than the national average.
In 2017 5,440 people began apprenticeships in the county which has one of the fastest growing economies in terms of productivity and apprenticeship numbers.
The growth has been attributed to Worcestershire County Council’s ambition for all children and young people to succeed in their careers in the county. And, together with the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, the authority champions careers programmes and apprenticeship schemes to increase opportunities.
Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Skills, said he was delighted with the figures.
“We work closely with the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) to provide opportunities for young people across the county.
“We have very talented youngsters in Worcestershire that will positively contribute to our economy and we want them to carry on working in Worcestershire in the future.”
Mark Stansfield, Chairman of Worcestershire LEP, said: “Figures show apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular in Worcestershire and locally we are seeing more of our younger generations taking the opportunity to earn while they learn.
“Local apprentices and apprenticeship employers are benefiting from a hugely effective support network, with a great amount of advice available from the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Hub.”
A record 360 people attended this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2017 final in November.
Ben Hyde, winner of the Apprentice of the Year 2017 award, added: “The support I have received during my apprenticeship has been beneficial to my personal development.
“The opportunities Worcestershire Group Training and Sanctuary Group have given me have been invaluable.”
And he added he would definitely recommend applying for apprenticeships to others.
The most popular industries for apprentices in Worcestershire include construction, engineering and ICT.
Visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk for more on apprenticeships in the county.
