South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 14/02/2014

We teamed up with the Federation of Small Business (FSB), National Apprenticeship Service and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College to equip small businesses with everything they need to know about apprenticeships. The evening event was attended by Vice Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Howard Gawler, local business owners and a number of apprentices from across South Gloucestershire.

The event highlighted the recent increase in the number of apprentices available and to encourage local small businesses to consider hiring one. It offered small business owners the chance to learn more about how to employ apprentices and how they can make a positive contribution to the success of their business.

Vice Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Howard Gawler said: “More and more small businesses are now taking on apprentices but others still seem reluctant. This event was designed to answer some of the questions small business owners may have about apprentices and to see what support they may need before bringing apprentices into their businesses. The event also offered the perfect opportunity for small business owners to talk to colleges, apprenticeship providers and apprentices themselves about the sort of skills they require from new employees.”

The programme included presentations and talks from local apprentices and there was an opportunity to actively explore the subject of apprenticeships via round-table discussions. Among the issues discussed were the types of modern apprenticeships available, cost implications, how apprentices are recruited and what barriers small businesses felt could be removed to make the process easier. The event concluded with a networking opportunity.

For more information about apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk