Southend Firms To Join National Bid To Boost Apprenticeships

March 1, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Southend firms to join national bid to boost apprenticeships

Tuesday 1st March 2016

Intrepid Southend firms are being urged to pledge to hire more apprentices.

They are invited to take this step at the next Southend Business Partnership Briefing on Thursday 10th March at The Forum Southend-on-Sea.

This free meeting from 8:30am at The Forum in Elmer Square, Southend, showcases nearby colleges, universities, training suppliers and apprenticeship providers to demonstrate local opportunities to help firms grow their businesses.

The event includes speakers and networking chances but will also host the appearance of an Olympic-style torch – currently touring southern England as part of a national campaign to boost apprenticeships.

This torch, engineered by apprentices, symbolises the passing of knowledge from one generation to another and is appearing at various business events on its way to the launch of National Apprenticeship Week in London on Monday 14th March.

Its arrival in Southend on Thursday 10th March offers employers the opportunity to commit to recruit apprentices to help their businesses thrive while giving young people vital skills and jobs.

Keynote speaker for the meeting will be Alison Calnan from Ford UK to give an insight to Ford’s business operation.

Meanwhile the Council’s Chief Executive, Rob Tinlin will be there to share the latest Southend news

Delegates will be able to post questions to the panel, made up of Education providers and the Skills Funding Agency as well as keynote speaker, Alison Calnan.

Registration begins at 7:30am so there will be plenty of chances to network with other businesses, Council representatives and staff from the skills and education providers.

Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Councillor Mary Betson said: “Southend Business Partnership Briefing is an extremely productive way for the borough’s firms to share ideas and keep up to date with local and national changes.

“At this next meeting on Thursday 10th March, we are very pleased to be focusing on education and skills, as well as hosting the apprenticeships torch which celebrates apprentices but also encourages companies to pledge to take on more of them.

“This will help businesses grow while developing skills and increasing job opportunities for young people to boost our local economy.”

To book your free place at the briefing please visit: www.bestgrowthhub.org.uk/events or email: economicd@southend.gov.uk.