MORE small businesses are being urged to sign up to an initiative aimed at helping them employ apprentices.

Dozens of firms across Kirklees have benefited from taking on an apprentice in the past year, according to new figures from the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub, which aims to break down the barriers that could prevent smaller employers looking at apprentices.

Among businesses to benefit from the Hub is Heckmondwike-based Robin Hood Watersports, the UK’s only business to manufacture and sell watersports equipment to business, the public and emergency services. It also provides diving tuition in its purpose-built pool.

The firm recruited 16-year old Ben Parker to its 28-strong team earlier this year, working with the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub.

Sally Findlow, a partner in the business, said: “We decided that for our business, at this time, giving an opportunity to a young person and bringing skills into our business was vital. We were really pleased with the support on offer from the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub and delighted with how everything has turned out.

“An apprenticeship is right for us because it means our apprentice, Ben, can learn a range of skills that will benefit his role at Robin Hood Watersports. He will end up with a qualification, which is great news for him and also for his long-term future with us.

“I can’t think of anything on the negative side of the apprenticeship scheme at all.”

Apprentice Ben has been a diving fan since he was a child and said the apprenticeship opportunity was ideal for him.

He said: “I really enjoy the apprenticeship, being hands-on and learning new things every day. I’m not the sort of person who wants to sit at a desk all day and this role gives me the opportunity to keep learning, and get a qualification, while finding out about everything that happens in each area of the business.”

Over the past year 174 local SMEs have engaged with one of the Hub’s business brokers, resulting in an offer of 190 apprenticeships.

Kirklees is one of eight Apprenticeship Hubs in the Leeds City Region promoting the benefits of apprenticeships. Businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, and which have not taken on an apprentice in the last year, can get a £1,500 grant to support their recruitment.